Radiator fan switch for your car

The radiator fan switch is an important part for the cooling cycle. In an electronic cooling system it controls the fan's function. This is not really a wear part. Regular replacement, however, could save you from unpleasant consequential damage. Central electronic component for water cooling The radiator fan switch is a component with a sensor as well as a switching function. Contrary to the viscous fan with its fluid mechanics, the radiator fan switch is responsible for the electronic control of the radiator blower. If the cooling water is too hot, the radiator fan switch switches on the blower's electric motor. The hot air in the radiator is blown away until the engine has reached its ideal temperature. Radiator fan switch defects A failing radiator fan switch can have serious consequences for the engine. In addition to rupturing radiator hoses, the cylinder head gasket can quickly burn in such a case. A switching defect prevents the blower fan from engaging. A car with a temperature indicator will show if the fan is switched on at the moment the temperature reaches its upper limit. When an engine control lamp or a temperature warning indicator lights op, the fan should run. If it remains inoperative despite engine overheating, the radiator fan switch should be checked. Damage control Failure of a radiator blower fan can have many causes. Taking systematic action can limit the problem:

- Checking the thermostat: The thermostat can be found in the engine where three hoses come together. If the engine indicates overheating when the radiator is cold, a jammed thermostat is often the cause. - Checking the plug connections of the switch on contact and oxidation. - Checking the plug connection of the fan motor on contact and oxidation. - Checking the fuses.

Bypassing the switch: This means pulling out the plug connections and bypass them with a piece of wire. If the fan motor does not switch on, the fan motor is defective. If it switches on, the switch has a defect. This bypassing is very effective in case of a car breakdown. Simply bypass the switch and drive it to the nearest garage where the problem is quickly solved. It is important to leave the old switch installed because it seals the cooling cycle. Replacing the radiator fan switch The replacement of a radiator fan switch is quite easy. Please ensure that the car has sufficiently cooled down because the disassembly of the switch causes water spillage. The switch has a hexagonal brass holder. It is located right beside the radiator and can be found by following its cable. With a fitting spanner or a pipe wrench it can be easily removed. It is important to turn in the right direction. Turning it too tight in the wrong direction can cause the plastic thread on the radiator to break. In that case you would need a new radiator which might turn out to be quite expensive.
Prior to disassembly a recipient must be placed under the radiator to collect the cooling water flowing out. If it is still clean enough, it can be added again after the replacement. The radiator fan switch is always replaced simultaneously with the gasket. Manually tightening the switch is sufficient. For assembly also applies: not too tight. After replacement the water level is replenished in a controlled manner. Let the engine run stationary with opened expansion vessel or radiator to vent the air from the cooling system. Radiator fan switch life span The life span of a radiator fan switch varies and depends on year of manufacture and brand of the car. You can always count on ca. 50.000 kilometres or 5 years. This component is very cheap and its replacement quite simple. Therefore a regular replacement is worthwhile for preventing unnecessary problems. Prices for a radiator fan switch start at ca. 7 euro (£6) and can amount to ca. 25 euro (£22). Always choose branded quality like e.g. FEBI BILSTEIN on any account, particularly as it doesn't have to be more expensive than products of obscure manufacturers.