Radiator Fan Motor
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Radiator Fan Motor
Has anyone had trouble with the radiator fan motor?
I've seen several affected by splashing water including mine and it seems the fan motor is not in a sealed housing. Are there any sealed replacements for the JK yet? It looks like about an hour job to change, and only needs to replace the motor in the center of the fan blades.
I think it's a poor design to have a motor easily affected by the elements in a trail rated vehicle.
I've seen several affected by splashing water including mine and it seems the fan motor is not in a sealed housing. Are there any sealed replacements for the JK yet? It looks like about an hour job to change, and only needs to replace the motor in the center of the fan blades.
I think it's a poor design to have a motor easily affected by the elements in a trail rated vehicle.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,016
Likes: 2
From: apollo beach, fl
ive had issues with mine...
the first time i think it was due to the fact that i got mud caked on the blades, causing imbalance and working the fan motor more.
the second time i think it was due to water splashing on the fan motor.
had some almost overheating issues while on the trail both times...
but either way, the fan motor still works.
id be interested in a new sealed unit or at least a fan motor cutoff.
the first time i think it was due to the fact that i got mud caked on the blades, causing imbalance and working the fan motor more.
the second time i think it was due to water splashing on the fan motor.
had some almost overheating issues while on the trail both times...
but either way, the fan motor still works.
id be interested in a new sealed unit or at least a fan motor cutoff.
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
I just had my fan motor fail too...doh! Took a mud/water crossing too fast down at Hollister Hills and fan no longer operates. On the search for options this weekend.
***update*** after covering up my engine bay vitals and taking a pressure sprayer to the bay and fan motor it started working again :-)
Next time I will be sure to disconnect the fan motor before hitting the water/mud.
***update 2*** well that didn't work. radiator fan failed again permanently this week. dropped off at the dealer and they replaced the radiator fan assembly under warranty.
***update*** after covering up my engine bay vitals and taking a pressure sprayer to the bay and fan motor it started working again :-)
Next time I will be sure to disconnect the fan motor before hitting the water/mud.
***update 2*** well that didn't work. radiator fan failed again permanently this week. dropped off at the dealer and they replaced the radiator fan assembly under warranty.
Last edited by tahoe_jeeper; Nov 21, 2008 at 09:48 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh,NC
I've run into this problem a lot when running tests on an electric fan on my TJ. We found that the problem lies in the brushes that run the electric motor. They just don't like water. They get stuck and don't make proper contact, and eventually burning up. There really is no solution other than switching to a viscous fan. I plan to investigate to see if this is possible without sending errors to the ecu. What I can suggest is that you make a huge drain hole. Water is always going to get in, but if it can't get out it will just mess things up. I really don't understand why in the world they designed the JK with an electric fan.