Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Equinox Radiator Fans

The Chevrolet Equinox cooling fan-also called the radiator fan, engine-cooling fan, or condenser-fan assembly-is an electric unit that pulls air through the radiator and A/C condenser to keep the 4-cylinder or V6 engine in its safe temperature range. It fits every Equinox generation (2005-2025) with only minor changes to the shroud, motor wattage, and plug shape. When this fan stops, the SUV can overheat in less than five minutes of idling, but the problem is usually easy to diagnose with basic tools and a wiring diagram. (JustAnswer, StartMyCar, RepairPal.com)

Overview

The Equinox uses one dual-speed electric fan that is switched on and off by the power-train control module (PCM) through relays and fuses in the engine-bay fuse block. Low speed starts around 223 °F and high speed at about 230 °F. (OBD-Codes.com)

How It Works

• Sensors talk first. The coolant-temperature sensor tells the PCM how hot the engine is; the A/C-pressure sensor requests extra cooling when the air conditioner is on. (OBD-Codes.com)
• Relays flip. The PCM grounds relay "K617" (low) or "K618" (high) to feed battery power to the fan motor. (YouTube)
• Fan pulls air. The seven-blade plastic propeller draws outside air through the radiator fins to remove heat from the coolant and, at the same time, cool the A/C condenser and transmission cooler. (YouTube)

Fitment Years

• 2005-2009: Uses a two-plug design shared with Pontiac Torrent. (YouTube)
• 2010-2017: Updated shroud, single 4-pin plug, same mounting points. (YouTube)
• 2018-2025: Narrower shroud for the 1.5 L and 2.0 L turbo engines; interchange between Equinox and GMC Terrain. (StartMyCar)

Warning Signs

• Temperature gauge climbs at stoplights. (RepairPal.com)
• Engine fans never spin (listen for silence). (YouTube)
• A/C blows warm when sitting still. (JustAnswer)
• DTCs P0480, P0481, P0691 set. (OBD-Codes.com, OBD-Codes.com)

Why It Fails

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Diagnosis

1. Check fuses & relays. Pull fuse F20 or F60 (year-dependent) from the engine compartment box and visually inspect the metal link. (StartMyCar)
2. Spin the blades by hand. Blades should rotate freely; stiffness means failed bearings. (OBD-Codes.com)
3. Command the fan with a scan tool or jump the relay terminals; if it runs, the issue is upstream.
4. Read DTCs. Codes P0480/P0481 = relay circuits; P0691 = low-speed circuit low voltage. (OBD-Codes.com)

Repair Steps

• Remove the upper radiator cover and six bumper clips, then tilt the radiator forward for direct fan access (2006-2017). (YouTube)
• Unplug the 4-pin harness and remove four 10 mm bolts (10-12 Nm torque). (YouTube, eBay)
• Slide the new fan assembly into the guide tracks and tighten bolts evenly.
• Clear DTCs and let the engine idle to confirm automatic fan engagement. (YouTube)

Maintenance Tips

• Keep radiator fins clean; blocked airflow makes the fan run longer and shortens motor life. (OBD-Codes.com)
• Spray electrical-contact cleaner into the X117 plug each oil change to stop corrosion. (NHTSA)
• Listen for grinding noises-early sign of bearing failure. (RepairPal.com)

Safety & Recalls

No open recalls list the fan itself, but NHTSA complaints cite fan failures causing overheating in 2006-2008 models, and GM bulletin 16-NA-123 addresses water intrusion at the connector. (CarComplaints.com, NHTSA)

Upgrade Ideas

Enthusiasts sometimes swap in a higher-CFM dual-fan pack and re-flash the PCM for an earlier "fan-on" temperature to reduce heat-soak and improve A/C performance. Electric fans also free up a few horsepower versus old clutch-fan designs. (OnAllCylinders, YouTube)

Environment

A working cooling fan keeps engine temps stable, preventing excess fuel use and lowering smog-forming emissions-an easy win for both wallet and air quality. (RepairPal.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size fuse protects the Equinox cooling fan?
A: Most years use a 40-amp J-case fuse in the under-hood block; always match the rating. (StartMyCar)

Q: Can I keep driving if the fan isn't working?
A: Only at highway speeds; idling or slow traffic will overheat the engine quickly. (OBD-Codes.com)

Q: Why does my fan run loud after shut-off?
A: The PCM may run high-speed mode to cool the turbo or A/C condenser; this is normal unless it never stops. (YouTube)

Q: What tools do I need to replace the fan?
A: Trim-clip remover, 10 mm socket, flat screwdriver, and a floor jack for extra clearance. (YouTube)

Q: How long does the job take?
A: About one hour for 2005-2017 models and 90 minutes for 2018-up because of added bracing. (YouTube)

Q: What's a common diagnostic trouble code for this part?
A: P0480 indicates the PCM can't command the low-speed relay. (OBD-Codes.com)

Q: How much current should the fan draw?
A: Roughly 10 amps on low and up to 25 amps on high speed. (JustAnswer)

Q: Do I need to drain coolant to swap the assembly?
A: No; the fan unbolts from the radiator and hoses stay sealed. (YouTube)

Q: Will a bad thermostat mimic fan failure?
A: Yes-if the thermostat sticks closed, temps climb even with a good fan, so always test both. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Where is the relay located?
A: In the engine-bay fuse block, row 3, slot K618 on 2010-2017 models. (YouTube)

Q: How do I know if my connector is corroded?
A: Pull the X117 plug; green or white powder on the pins signals corrosion and calls for cleaning or harness replacement per GM bulletin 16-NA-123. (NHTSA)

Q: Can I upgrade to a larger fan?
A: Yes, aftermarket high-output motors fit the stock shroud, but the PCM fan curve may need a software update. (OnAllCylinders)

Q: Is the Equinox fan brushless?
A: All 2018-up models use a brushless motor; earlier years are brushed. Brushless units last longer and draw less current. (StartMyCar)

Q: Does the fan affect fuel economy?
A: A stuck-on fan forces the alternator to work harder, cutting mileage by 1-2 MPG. (OnAllCylinders)

Related Terms

Radiator fan * Engine-cooling fan * Condenser fan * Electric cooling assembly * Fan-shroud module

These synonyms help visitors and search engines connect every possible search phrase to the same reliable part.