Radiator Cooling Fan: Description and Operation

Cooling Fan and Clutch
The engine cooling fan and clutch are driven by the crankshaft via the drive belt. The cooling fan draws air through the radiator to improve the transfer of heat from the coolant to the atmosphere. As the fan blades spin, they pull cool, outside air past the radiator core. The fan clutch drives the cooling fan. The fan clutch controls the amount of torque that is transmitted from the crankshaft to the fan blades.

The clutch allows more torque to engage on the fan when the engine operating temperature increases and/or the vehicle speed is low. As the torque increases, the fan turns more quickly. The fan clutch decreases the torque applied to the cooling fan when the engine temperature decreases and/or the vehicle speed is high. As the torque decreases, the fan speed decreases.