Buy Buick Enclave Radiator Fans

The Buick Enclave uses an electric dual-fan assembly-also called a radiator fan, engine cooling fan, or cooling blower-to pull fresh air through the radiator and A/C condenser whenever road speed alone cannot do the job (YourMechanic, HowStuffWorks).
Both fans sit in a plastic shroud behind the radiator and are switched on by the power-train control module (PCM) through three relays in the under-hood fuse block (Buick Forums, Fuse Box).
Because the 3.6-liter V-6 engine holds about 11.8 quarts of coolant, it creates a lot of heat that the fans must whisk away, especially in traffic or while towing (Car and Driver, GM Authority).
A weak or stuck fan motor is one of the three most common reasons these SUVs overheat (RepairPal.com), often setting trouble code P0480 for "Fan 1 Control Circuit" (Kbb.com).
Owners on EnclaveForum report coolant temps dropping 10-15 °F after replacing a tired fan assembly, along with colder A/C at idle (enclaveforum.net).

When coolant or A/C-system pressure rises, the PCM grounds a low-speed relay that wires the two electric fan motors in series, feeding each about 6 volts (Buick Forums).
If the engine keeps heating-or if the A/C high-side pressure tops roughly 225 psi-the module also grounds both high-speed relays so each motor gets the full 12 volts for maximum airflow (enclaveforum.net, Buick Forums).
The fans cycle off once coolant temperature and refrigerant pressure fall back to normal levels, keeping engine heat steady while saving battery power (HowStuffWorks).

• Temperature gauge climbs past the halfway mark or a red "ENGINE HOT" message appears (RepairPal.com).
• A/C air turns warm when the vehicle idles in traffic (YourMechanic).
• Loud growling or rattling from the shroud points to worn fan bearings (YourMechanic).
• The radiator fan stays on for minutes after shut-down or never turns on at all, hinting at a sticking relay or blown fuse (Buick Forums).
• Scan-tool codes P0480, P0481, or P0483 flag fan-circuit faults (Kbb.com).

1. Check the 40-amp "Cool Fan 1" and "Cool Fan 2" fuses plus the three gray relays in the engine-bay box (Fuse Box).
2. Spin each blade by hand with the key off; roughness means the motor is failing (YourMechanic).
3. Jumper 12 V directly to a fan plug. If the motor runs, wiring or relays are at fault; if not, the motor is bad (RepairPal.com).
4. Watch live coolant temperature with a scan tool; fans on a healthy Enclave usually start near 225 °F and pull temps down below 210 °F (enclaveforum.net).

• Disconnect the negative battery cable for safety (YourMechanic).
• Remove the plastic radiator top cover and unplug both fan connectors (enclaveforum.net).
• Unbolt the shroud (two upper bolts) and lift the entire assembly straight up; no coolant drain or radiator removal is needed .
• Drop in the new fan unit, tighten bolts, plug connectors, and reconnect the battery (YourMechanic).
• Start the engine, bring it to operating temperature, and confirm both low- and high-speed operation.

First-generation Enclave models (2008-2017) share the same dual-fan module with Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook because they all ride on GM's Lambda platform (enclaveforum.net).
Second-generation Enclaves (2018-present) use a revised shroud and plug shape, so match the part to the model year before ordering (Fuse Box).

• Keep leaves and plastic bags out of the grille so air can flow freely (HowStuffWorks).
• Check coolant every oil change; low fluid forces the fan to work harder and can overheat the motor (NHTSA).
• Once a year, spray the radiator fins with low-pressure water from the engine side out to wash away road grit that blocks airflow (HowStuffWorks).

Brushless fan kits move more cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) while drawing fewer amps, helping the Enclave run cooler when towing up to 5,000 lb (Rock Hill Buick GMC).
Because brushless motors ramp speed smoothly, they also cut fan-on noise compared with stock units (YourMechanic).

GM has issued service bulletins reminding technicians to correct coolant levels and inspect water-pump leaks, because any cooling-system fault can overwork the fan and lead to overheating (NHTSA).
There are no open fire-hazard recalls for the Enclave's radiator fan as of May 2025, but owners should always run a VIN check at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site after major repairs (Kbb.com).

Q: How long should a Buick Enclave radiator fan last?
A: The electric motors often run 120,000-150,000 miles before brush wear or bearing play shows up, but heavy stop-and-go driving can shorten life (YourMechanic).

Q: What triggers the fans when the A/C is on?
A: The PCM watches A/C high-side pressure. Around 225 psi it grounds the low-speed relay to protect the condenser and keep cabin air cold (enclaveforum.net).

Q: At what coolant temperature do the fans start?
A: Typically near 225 °F (107 °C) for low speed and about 230 °F (110 °C) for high speed on first-gen models (Buick Forums).

Q: Can I drive if the fan is broken?
A: Only at highway speed with the A/C off and coolant full; at idle the engine will overheat quickly, risking gasket or head damage (YourMechanic).

Q: Why does the fan keep running after I shut off the engine?
A: A sticking relay, low-speed wiring issue, or high residual coolant temperature can make the PCM keep the blower spinning for a few minutes (Buick Forums).

Q: Which fuse feeds the cooling fans?
A: Look for the 40-amp "COOL FAN 1" and "COOL FAN 2" maxi-fuses in the engine-compartment box on 2008-2017 models (Fuse Box).

Q: Does the Enclave have a separate condenser fan?
A: No. The same dual electric fans pull air through both the radiator and the A/C condenser (YourMechanic).

Q: What code means the fan relay circuit failed?
A: Code P0480 indicates an electrical problem in Fan 1's control circuit; P0481 points to Fan 2; P0483 signals fan-speed rationality issues (Kbb.com).

Q: My gauge spikes but drops when I start moving-why?
A: Airflow from driving hides a weak fan motor. Replace the assembly before city traffic causes a full overheat (RepairPal.com).

Q: Can I swap a Traverse fan into an Enclave?
A: Yes, if both vehicles are the same generation (2008-2017 or 2018-present); the shroud and electrical plugs match across Lambda siblings (enclaveforum.net).

Q: How loud is the high-speed fan?
A: It is normal to hear a strong "jet-like" whoosh when the PCM commands high speed; the sound fades once coolant drops below target temperature (YourMechanic).

Q: Will a bigger aftermarket fan improve towing?
A: Higher-CFM brushless kits can shave 10-20 °F from coolant temperature under heavy loads, but confirm amperage draw does not exceed the 170-amp alternator rating (The Car Connection).

Q: How do I test the relays?
A: Swap the fan relay with another identical relay in the fuse box (like the horn) and see if the problem moves; if it does, replace the relay (Buick Forums).

Q: What maintenance keeps the fan healthy?
A: Keep coolant full, clean debris from the grille, and listen for unusual noises that hint at early bearing wear (HowStuffWorks).

Q: Are there any recalls for fan fires?
A: None as of May 2025, but always check your VIN at safercar.gov after repairs (Kbb.com).