Do radiator fans turn on without AC?

No, the radiator fan turns on when the water & antifreeze in it gets too hot. AC on or off. Most of the time it is when the car is not moving or moving slowly. Air is not passing over the radiator so it over heats, the thermostat calls for cooling, the fan turns on.

What is the difference between radiator fan and aircon fan?

The difference is related to the fact that a (vehicle) radiator fan performs the service of removing heat from the engine coolant (no phase change involved), with the aid of a generally high temperature difference between air and coolant, whereas an (home) a/c condenser must remove the far greater heat of condensation ...

October 25, 2023

Can I use car fan without AC?

Yes, you can use the car’s fan without turning on the air conditioning (AC). Most cars have a fan or blower setting that allows you to circulate air within the cabin without using the air conditioning system. This can be useful if you simply want to ventilate the car or adjust the airflow for comfort without changing the temperature.

Typically, there will be a control on your car’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system that lets you select different fan speeds or adjust the airflow. You can use these settings to control the fan without engaging the AC compressor. This is commonly done by selecting the “vent” or “fan only” mode on your HVAC controls.

Using just the fan without the AC can help save fuel, as the AC system consumes additional power from the engine to operate. It’s also useful for maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature on mild days when you don’t need the cooling or heating function of the AC or heater.

Does the cooling fan have anything to do with the AC?

Yes, the cooling fan in your car is related to the operation of the air conditioning (AC) system. The cooling fan’s primary function is to help dissipate heat from the AC system’s condenser.

Here’s how it works:

AC System Operation: When you turn on the AC in your car, the AC compressor starts to compress and circulate refrigerant gas. This process generates heat, and the heat is released in the condenser, which is usually located in front of the radiator.
Cooling Fan Activation: To help dissipate the heat produced by the AC system, the cooling fan is activated. In most cars, the cooling fan comes on automatically when the AC is turned on or when the engine control unit (ECU) detects that the AC system needs additional cooling. Some cars have separate fans for the radiator and AC condenser, while others may use a single fan for both.
Airflow: The cooling fan pulls air through the AC condenser, which helps lower the temperature of the refrigerant inside and allows the AC system to operate efficiently. Without proper cooling, the AC system can become less effective, and the compressor may even overheat.

So, while the primary purpose of the cooling fan is to assist the radiator in cooling the engine coolant, it also plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the AC system by dissipating the heat generated during the AC operation. Therefore, the cooling fan and the AC system are interconnected for proper functioning.

Will AC work if radiator fan is broken?

The operation of the air conditioning (AC) system can be affected if the radiator fan is broken, especially in certain situations. The radiator fan is responsible for cooling the engine coolant, and it indirectly impacts the AC system’s performance because the AC system relies on the engine’s cooling system to dissipate heat. Here’s how a broken radiator fan can affect the AC:

Engine Overheating: If the radiator fan is not working, the engine may not receive adequate cooling, especially in hot weather or when the car is idling. An overheating engine can lead to a decrease in overall engine performance and, in some cases, engine damage. In such situations, the engine’s cooling needs take priority, and the AC system may automatically shut off or operate less efficiently to reduce the load on the engine.
Reduced AC Performance: If the engine temperature rises significantly due to a malfunctioning radiator fan, the AC system may not cool the air as effectively as it should. When the engine is running hot, the AC compressor may cycle off more frequently or run at a reduced capacity to prevent further heating of the engine.
Safety Concerns: Engine overheating can also lead to safety concerns, as it can cause engine damage and, in extreme cases, engine failure. In such cases, it’s important to address the cooling system issue promptly to avoid potential safety hazards.

To summarize, a broken radiator fan can indirectly affect the operation of the AC system by potentially causing the engine to overheat, which may lead to reduced AC performance or the automatic shutdown of the AC system to protect the engine. If you suspect that your radiator fan is not functioning correctly, it’s advisable to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure both your engine’s cooling system and AC system are working properly.