Buy Dodge Challenger Radiator Fans

The Dodge Challenger cooling fan-also called a radiator fan, engine fan, or electric fan assembly-pulls outside air through the radiator and condenser so the engine coolant stays near 200 °F even when the car is idling in traffic. Without a working fan, heat builds up fast, which can warp metal parts or trigger a limp-home mode. Typical replacement fans move about 1,300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air and are controlled by the power-train computer through low- and high-speed relays. Regular checks of fuses, relays, and wiring keep the system reliable, while timely coolant changes and a clean radiator help the fan do its job. (HowStuffWorks, Wikipedia, O'Reilly Auto Parts)

The fan sits just behind the radiator. When coolant gets hot, a sensor tells the computer to switch the fan on. Moving air strips heat from the coolant before it flows back to the engine. This stops overheating, prevents pinging, and lets air-conditioning work better on hot days. (HowStuffWorks, Wikipedia)

1. Coolant temperature sensor reports 203 - 219 °F.
2. Low-speed relay clicks on the first fan.
3. If heat keeps rising, the high-speed relay starts both fans at full power. (Challenger Talk)

Electric fan modules fit 2008-2023 Challengers with 3.6 L, 5.7 L, 6.4 L, and 6.2 L engines. Mounting points, connector shape, and shroud depth are identical across trims, but blade count and motor wattage vary by engine size. Always match the plug style (3-pin for single-speed units; 4-pin for two-speed) before ordering. (, Challenger Talk)

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*Cooling-system capacity from the owner's manual. (AutoZone.com, O'Reilly Auto Parts, ManualsLib)

• Temperature gauge climbs above halfway. (Challenger Talk)
• No fan sound with A/C on Max. (Natrad Radiators & Auto Air)
• P0480 or P0481 trouble codes. (Challenger Talk)
• Blown 50 A J-case fuse in the power-distribution box. (YouTube)

• Burned relay contacts or corroded ground wire. (Challenger Talk)
• Seized motor brushes (seen on some FCA vans; same design motor). (static.nhtsa.gov)
• Debris blocking shroud fins. (Natrad Radiators & Auto Air)
• Coolant leaks that fool the sensor. (static.nhtsa.gov)

• Flush coolant every 10 years or 150 k mi to reduce scale-buildup. (ManualsLib)
• Spray radiator fins with low-pressure water; bent fins cut airflow. (Natrad Radiators & Auto Air)
• Listen for the fan at idle monthly; no sound may mean a bad fuse or relay. (Challenger Talk)

1. Disconnect battery to avoid shorts. (static.nhtsa.gov)
2. Remove upper radiator cover and move the coolant-recovery bottle aside.
3. Unplug motor, resistor, and relay connectors; release harness clips. (YouTube)
4. Lift the shroud straight up from rubber pegs and slide out the bottom.
5. Drop in new fan assembly, seat clips, re-attach wiring, refill coolant if needed.

A skilled DIYer with basic tools needs about 60 minutes. Always recycle old coolant and fan motors. (Natrad Radiators & Auto Air)

• Never reach into a spinning fan. Blades can cause serious cuts. (static.nhtsa.gov)
• Let the engine cool before opening the cap to avoid steam burns. (HowStuffWorks)
• Support the hood securely; gusts can knock it down while you work.

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Steps confirmed by owners in multiple forum threads. (Challenger Talk, Challenger Talk)

Performance Challengers that see track days can add a dual 3,000 CFM slim-line pusher fan in front of the condenser. Tests on high-horsepower builds show temps drop 45 °F during staging when the fan and intercooler pump run after shut-down. (HOT ROD, MotorTrend)

A clean, efficient fan helps the engine stay at its ideal temperature, which cuts fuel use and lowers emissions. Engineers note that optimized blade shapes and brushless motors can save up to 40 W at highway speed. (SAE International)