Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Camaro Radiator Fans

Quick Summary

The cooling fan - also called a radiator fan, engine-cooling fan, or electric fan assembly - pulls air through the Camaro's radiator to keep engine heat in check, especially in traffic or on hot days (Wikipedia). Early Camaros used a belt-driven clutch fan, while later generations switched to computer-controlled electric dual fans that spin faster as coolant temperature rises (Wikipedia). A healthy fan prevents overheating, supports strong air-conditioner performance, and protects expensive parts like head gaskets.

What It Does

At highway speed, air rushes through the grille, but when the car slows down the cooling fan takes over, drawing air across the radiator fins to whisk heat away from the coolant (Wikipedia). In most modern Camaros, the power-train control module (PCM) commands a low-speed setting near 214 °F and ramps to high speed near 228 °F (Camaro6). When you switch on the A/C, the fan also starts to keep condenser pressure under control and to blow colder air into the cabin (Ricks Free Auto Repair Advice).

Key Components

• Fan blades & shroud - Focus airflow through the radiator core for maximum cooling.
• Brushless motor or clutch - Turns the blades; early belt-driven clutches free-wheel when cool, later brushless motors change speed smoothly (Wikipedia).
• Control module - A small computer that receives signals from the coolant-temperature sensor and air-conditioning pressure switch to set fan speed (Scribd).
• Relays & fuses - For sixth-gen cars, Fuse F4 and Relay K6 in the under-hood block power the fan (Fuse Box).
• Coolant-temperature sensor - Sends heat data to the PCM; a bad sensor can keep the fan from turning on (RepairPal.com).

Generational Changes

• 1st-2nd gen (1967-1981) - Used a belt-driven clutch fan bolted to the water-pump pulley (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
• 3rd gen (1982-1992) - Added an auxiliary electric pusher fan to help the mechanical fan at idle (Nasty Z28).
• 4th gen (1993-2002) - Moved to twin electric puller fans controlled by temperature and A/C demand (Wikipedia).
• 5th gen (2010-2015) - Dual 600-watt electric fans; relays in the under-hood fuse block handle low and high speed (Wikipedia).
• 6th gen (2016-2024) - Single high-output 850-watt brushless fan with pulse-width-modulation for quieter, more precise speed control (Wikipedia, Camaro6).

Failure Signs

• Temperature gauge climbs past normal or "HOT" light turns on (Ricks Free Auto Repair Advice).
• A/C blows warm at a stop because the condenser isn't cooled.
• Loud whirring, clicking, or grinding from the fan motor area.
• Diagnostic trouble codes P0480 or P0691 for fan control circuit issues (NHTSA).
• Fan runs constantly even when the engine is cold - often a stuck relay or failed temperature sensor (RepairPal.com).

DIY Checks

1. Fuse & relay test - Locate Fuse F4 (40 A) and Relay K6 in the engine-compartment box; swap the relay with a matching one to test function (Fuse Box).
2. Sensor reading - Use a scan tool to compare dash gauge temp to sensor data; if off, replace the coolant-temperature sensor (RepairPal.com).
3. Direct power - Apply 12 V to the fan connector; if the motor won't spin freely, it's worn out (YouTube).
4. Harness inspection - Look for corroded terminals where the forward-lamp harness meets the fan module; water intrusion here is common on 2016 V-6 cars (Camaro6, NHTSA).

Replacement Steps

A typical swap takes about one hour with basic tools:

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the upper radiator cover and unplug the fan connector.
3. Unbolt the shroud, lift the old assembly straight up, and drop in the new unit.
4. Re-install bolts to 89 in-lb, reconnect wiring, top off coolant, and test (YouTube). Always follow the factory torque specs in the service manual.

Performance Mods

Owners chasing extra horsepower or track cooling often fit dual 16-inch fans that move 3,000-4,000 CFM of air - about a 30 % bump over stock (Camaros). Aftermarket brushless kits weigh less, free up engine bay space, and can be wired to the PCM for proper staged control (Camaro6). Pairing a high-flow fan with an aluminum radiator or auxiliary oil cooler can drop track temperatures by 20 °F.

Safety & Recalls

• 2016 V-6 water-intrusion bulletin - Moisture can wick down the forward-lamp harness, corrode the fan-module connector, and leave the fan dead; GM bulletin PIC6160A outlines inspection and repair steps (NHTSA).
• High under-hood heat - A separate GM bulletin warns that overheated relay terminals can make the fan intermittent; it recommends relocating relays for better airflow.
  Regularly inspect wiring and clear debris to avoid shorts or relay melt-downs.

Care Tips

• Blow out leaves and bugs trapped between the radiator and A/C condenser every oil change.
• Keep coolant at the correct 50/50 mix and flush every 5 years to reduce corrosion.
• Verify the fan spins freely by hand (engine off); stiff blades hint at a failing motor.
• Expect the fan to keep running for up to 5 minutes after shut-down on hot days - this is normal PCM logic (Camaro6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What temperature should my Camaro fan turn on?
A: Most 2016-2024 models begin low-speed cooling around 214 °F and reach high speed near 228 °F.

Q: Is it safe if the fan runs after I turn the engine off?
A: Yes. The PCM may keep the fan running to pull heat away from the engine and turbo (if equipped) for up to five minutes.

Q: My A/C gets warm at stop lights - could the fan be the cause?
A: Very likely. Without the fan moving air across the condenser, high refrigerant pressure makes the A/C clutch cycle off (Ricks Free Auto Repair Advice).

Q: What trouble codes point to a bad cooling-fan circuit?
A: Common codes are P0480 (fan control) and P0691 (low-speed fan relay) (NHTSA).

Q: Where is the cooling-fan fuse on a sixth-generation Camaro?
A: Under the hood, Fuse F4 (40 A) protects the fan motor; Relay K6 triggers coolant-pump assist (Fuse Box).

Q: Can I test the fan with direct battery power?
A: Yes. Unplug the harness and apply 12 V to the motor pins; if it won't spin, replace the assembly (YouTube).

Q: Do older Camaros use the same electric fan?
A: No. First- and second-generation cars rely on a belt-driven clutch fan (Wikipedia), while fourth-gen (1993-2002) cars use twin electrics (Wikipedia).

Q: How much air should an upgrade fan move?
A: Performance setups aim for at least 3,000 CFM to cool high-horsepower engines (Camaros).

Q: Why does my fan sound like a jet?
A: High brushless speeds or debris hitting the blades can make a loud whoosh. Remove leaves and check for cracked shroud pieces (Ricks Free Auto Repair Advice).

Q: Could a bad thermostat stop the fan?
A: An electronically controlled thermostat stuck open can fool the PCM into delaying fan start-up, leading to overheating (RepairPal.com).

Q: Are water-intrusion issues covered under recall?
A: GM issued a bulletin (PIC6160A) advising inspection and repair; coverage depends on model year and mileage (NHTSA).

Q: Will a higher-CFM fan hurt my alternator?
A: Modern high-output fans draw more current; upgrading the alternator or using a soft-start controller prevents voltage dips (Camaros).

Q: How often should I clean the radiator fins?
A: Check them every oil change; a garden hose from the engine side outward usually clears bugs and dirt.

Q: What's the average life of a Camaro electric fan?
A: Around 120,000 miles, though brushless units can last longer with clean fins and solid wiring (Ricks Free Auto Repair Advice).

Q: Can I swap a mechanical fan for an electric one on a classic Camaro?
A: Yes. Electric conversions free up horsepower and let you control temperature precisely, though you'll need a thermostatic switch and wiring kit (Nasty Z28).

Outbound reference list:
Wikipedia - Fan Clutch Wikipedia - 1st-Gen Camaro Wikipedia - 4th-Gen Camaro Wikipedia - 5th-Gen Camaro Wikipedia - 6th-Gen Camaro fuse-box.info Camaro6 forum water-intrusion thread NHTSA bulletin PIC6160A Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice TeamCamaroTech CFM discussion Camaro6 fan-temperature post RepairPal fan diagnostics NastyZ28 electric vs. clutch fan ALLDATA wiring diagram (Scribd) YouTube repair tutorial