Buy Acura MDX Radiator Fans

The cooling fan in an Acura MDX-sometimes called a radiator fan, engine fan, condenser fan, or electric cooling blower-pulls air through the radiator (and A/C condenser) to keep engine temperature in the safe zone, especially when the SUV is sitting still or creeping in traffic. It is fused at 30 A for the main fan and 30 A for the sub-fan on third-generation MDX models, and it is controlled by relays and the car's computer, which switch the fan on when coolant gets hot and switch it off once it cools down. (Fuse Box) When the fan, fuse, relay, or wiring fails, the MDX can overheat, the A/C may blow warm, warning lights can appear, and (in hybrids) the battery fuse may blow. (Mechanic Base, NHTSA)

The MDX's electric cooling fan forces air through thin radiator fins so hot coolant can give up heat to the outside air. (HowStuffWorks) Even at 0 mph, the fan keeps coolant from boiling. At highway speed, natural airflow handles most of the work, so the fan often shuts off to save energy.

• Fan assembly - motor, blades, and plastic shroud that boosts airflow by up to 40 percent when sealed against the radiator. (MotorTrend)
• Fan relay & fuse - 30 A "Main Fan," 30 A "Sub Fan," and 60 A "Fan Main" fuses in the under-hood box (2014-18 MDX shown). (Fuse Box)
• Control module/ECU - decides low or high speed based on coolant-temperature data. (HowStuffWorks)
• Battery-vent fan (hybrid) - a separate blower; if it draws too much current, it can pop a 7.5 A fuse and light multiple dash icons. (NHTSA)

1. Coolant sensor hits its "ON" set-point (≈ 194 °F/90 °C).
2. ECU closes the relay; the motor spins, pushing or pulling air through the radiator. (HowStuffWorks)
3. Once coolant falls below the "OFF" set-point, the ECU opens the relay and the fan coasts down; at speed the fan usually stays off because ram-air is enough.

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• Keep the radiator fins clean; bent fins block airflow.
• Replace coolant on schedule-old coolant lowers boiling point and makes the fan work harder.
• Check the fan fuse with the key off; a melted element means a shorted motor.
• Listen: a healthy fan hums evenly; squeals or clicks warn of motor failure.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove upper radiator cover and fan-shroud bolts (10 mm, tighten to 9 ft-lb on re-install).
3. Unplug motor connectors; lift the fan assembly straight up.
4. Drop in the new assembly, route wiring away from the blades, and torque bolts.
5. Re-fill any lost coolant, then idle until both fans cycle twice to confirm operation.
   Average driveway time: ~ 60 minutes.

• Radiator fan motor (all years): $810-$918 installed. (RepairPal.com)
• Complete fan assembly (range across years): $267-$946, depending on trim and labor rate. (YourMechanic)
• Fan relay: about $102 (mostly labor). (YourMechanic)
  Related cooling parts: radiator hose $365-$408, (RepairPal.com) water pump $702-$914, (RepairPal.com) full radiator $1,067-$1,354. (RepairPal.com)

Switching from a belt-driven clutch fan to an electric unit can free a few horsepower because the engine no longer spins the blades at high rpm. (MotorTrend) Electric fans turn only when needed, trimming fuel use. (HowStuffWorks)

• 2001-06 (YD1): single two-speed fan.
• 2007-13 (YD2): twin fan set; relays in the under-hood fuse box.
• 2014-20 (YD3): 30 A "Cooling Fan" & 30 A "Sub Fan" fuses, plus 60 A "Fan Main" near the battery. (Fuse Box)
• 2022-25 (YD4): similar layout but higher-output motors for the new turbo V-6; check the under-hood label for exact fuse numbers.

Q: What does the cooling fan do?
A: It pulls air through the radiator so the engine doesn't overheat when the SUV is stopped or moving slowly. (HowStuffWorks)

Q: When should the fan turn on?
A: Around 194 °F (90 °C) coolant temperature, or whenever the A/C compressor starts.

Q: Can I drive with a broken fan?
A: Only briefly and only at highway speed; in traffic the engine will overheat fast. (Mechanic Base)

Q: Why does my fan fuse keep blowing?
A: The motor may be shorted, or-on hybrid MDX-the battery-vent fan may over-draw current. (NHTSA)

Q: My A/C quits at idle but works while moving-why?
A: The condenser fan isn't running; fix the fan before servicing refrigerant. (Mechanic Base)

Q: How loud is a healthy fan?
A: A steady whoosh; grinding or squealing means worn bearings. (Mechanic Base)

Q: Where is the fan relay?
A: In the under-hood fuse/relay box; see the lid diagram or owner's manual page 440.

Q: Do I need both fans?
A: Yes; one cools the radiator, the other helps A/C. They also run together on "high."

Q: What size fuse powers the fans?
A: 30 A for each fan and a 60 A main link on 2014-18 models. (Fuse Box)

Q: Will an electric fan improve gas mileage?
A: Slightly, because it turns off at speed instead of dragging engine power. (MotorTrend)

Q: How long does a fan motor last?
A: Typically 8-12 years; heat and dirt shorten its life. (Mechanic Base)

Q: Is overheating always the fan's fault?
A: No-check coolant level, thermostat, radiator cap, and water pump too. (Mechanic Base)

Q: Does cleaning the radiator help?
A: Yes, spraying out bugs and dirt improves airflow and lowers fan run-time. (MotorTrend)

Q: Can I test the fan directly?
A: You can jump-power the motor with fused leads to see if it spins; unplug first. (MotorTrend)

Q: What torque for fan-shroud bolts?
A: About 9 ft-lb (12 N·m) for 10 mm bolts per the service manual.

Q: How do I reset the system after repair?
A: Idle the engine until both fans cycle twice; this "re-learns" idle air flow. (NHTSA)