Radiator Cooling Fan: Description and Operation

Cooling Fan Description and Operation (3.0L)

System Overview

The engine cooling fan system consists of 2 electric cooling fans and 3 fan relays. The cooling fan relays are arranged in a series/parallel (S/P) configuration. This allows the engine control module (ECM) to operate both fans together at low or high speeds using 2 fan control circuits. The cooling fans receive positive voltage from the cooling fan relays, which receive battery positive voltage from the underhood fuse block. The cooling fans are supplied a ground at G101.

Low Speed Operation

The ECM applies ground to the coil side of the cooling fan low speed relay. This energizes the coil and applies voltage directly to the left cooling fan through the switch side of the low speed relay. The left cooling fan is connected in series to the right cooling fan through the de-energized series/parallel (S/P) cooling fan speed control relay. The result is a series circuit that operates both fans at low speed.

High Speed Operation

The ECM applies a ground to the coil side of the cooling fan low speed relay, the S/P cooling fan speed control relay, and the cooling fan high speed relay. When energized, the high speed fan relay applies voltage directly to the right cooling fan through the switch side of the relay. Simultaneously, the low speed fan relay and the S/P speed control relay provide ignition voltage and a direct path to ground for the left cooling fan. During high speed fan operation, both engine cooling fans have their own ground path. The result is a parallel circuit with both fans operating at high speed.