Condenser Fan

When the AC system needs a little extra help to cool the condenser, the AC condenser fan turns on. Most modern cars are equipped with dual electric fans. One will be for the radiator the other is for the condenser. The condenser fan is used to blow air across the condenser while the car is stopped or at low speeds which allows the AC to stay the same temperature inside the vehicle.

Without the condenser fan the AC system can stop working. This is due to the pressure becoming too high if the refrigerant is not cooled from a hot gas to a liquid. The car’s computer senses the pressure climbing too high and disables the AC system. This article will cover how to replace the condenser fan on most vehicle models. The fan should only be replaced if it has been diagnosed as needing a replacement.

Determine if the condenser fan is faulty

Manifold gauge set

Owner’s manual

Check the condenser fan operation. Start the engine and check under the hood.

Locate the fan assemblies. One will be for the radiator and the other will be for the condenser. In some cases, you may need to refer to the owner's manual to tell them apart.

With the AC on, the condenser fan should be on when the vehicle is at idle. If the fan is not on, it may need to be replaced.

Check the fan relay. If the condenser fan relay does not turn, it may not be getting power.

This can be due to the fan relay. Check the underhood relay box. There are two options: test the relay and make sure it is functioning properly or swap the relay with a known working relay and see if the fan turns on.

Check the AC system pressures. The manifold gauge set will need to be hooked up to the vehicle.

The blue hose will be installed onto the low side port. The high side will be installed onto the high pressure port.