Buy Dodge Ram 2500 Radiator Fans

Quick Summary

Quick Summary

The cooling fan-also called a radiator fan, engine fan, or fan assembly-pulls air through the Dodge Ram 2500 radiator so the engine does not over-heat. It can be a big belt-driven clutch fan or an electric fan. Good airflow keeps towing temperatures in check, protects gaskets, and even helps fuel use.

Part Purpose

What It Does

A spinning fan draws cool outside air through the radiator fins. That air removes heat from the coolant before it returns to the engine. Without steady airflow the coolant can boil, causing power loss or damage. Electric fans switch on by a sensor; mechanical clutch fans speed up only when the clutch "locks" at higher heat. (Diesel Army)

Fit Years

Compatible Models

All Ram 2500 trucks (1994-present) use a front-mounted cooling fan. Current 2025 models with either the High-Output 6.7 L Cummins or 6.4 L HEMI still rely on a large primary fan to handle up to 20,000 lb of towing heat (Ram capability page).

Fan Types

Style Options

• Mechanical clutch fan - belt driven, 9-blade, ~26 in. moves up to 8,000 CFM when locked. Best for heavy loads. (Diesel Army)
• Electric primary or helper fan - runs off a motor and relay. Saves a little fuel but may not keep up while towing in hot weather. (Cummins Forum, Diesel Army)

Specs & Sizes

Key Numbers

← scroll table horizontally →

Why It Fails

Common Problems

• Worn viscous clutch-fan free-wheels cold and never locks, causing high temps on hills. (Cummins Forum, Cummins Forum)
• Seized motor (electric style)-may blow fuse or over-heat; FCA recall VB2 showed fire risk on some vans (NHTSA notice).
• Damaged blades from debris, creating vibration and reduced airflow.

Diagnosis

Simple Checks

1. Cold spin test - with engine off, turn the fan by hand. It should feel stiff; spinning freely signals a weak clutch. (Cummins Forum)
2. Newspaper test - at idle, a rolled-up paper should stop a cold fan but not a hot engaged fan.
3. OBD scan - later trucks log fan-speed codes; a PCM flash (TSB 18-076-22) updates fan commands. (NHTSA)

Replacement

How To Replace

A full clutch-fan swap can be done in a driveway with hand tools: loosen left-hand nut, lift off shroud halves, and transfer the fan blades. A clear step-by-step video is here: fan-clutch replacement. Torque fasteners to specs in the table.

Upgrades

Performance Ideas

• High-flow composite blade-lighter, reduces parasitic drag.
• Electric helper fan kit behind the grille for mountain towing; keep the stock clutch fan as primary for reliability. (Cummins Forum)
• PCM re-flash-new software can bring the clutch on sooner, lowering peak temperatures. (NHTSA)

Safety

Safety Notes

The fan can start any time the key is on. Always pull the fan-motor lead or remove key before working near the blades (2024 owner's manual).

Towing Heat

Heavy-Load Tips

Down-shift early on long climbs to raise water-pump speed and fan RPM. Keep the grille clear of mud and bugs. A dirty condenser blocks airflow and forces the fan to work harder, raising noise and fuel use. (, Diesel Army)

Recycling

End-of-Life

Old fan motors and plastic blades count as e-waste. Drop them at an electronics or appliance recycler to keep metals and glass-fiber out of landfills (GreenCitizen guide).

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my fan clutch is bad?
A: Listen for a loud "roar" that never quiets or for overheating at slow speed. Test by spinning the blades by hand when the engine is cool; easy spinning means failure. (Cummins Forum)

Q: What size wrench fits the hub nut?
A: Most Cummins-powered Ram 2500 fans use a 48-mm (1 ⅞-in) wrench on the clutch hub. Always turn clockwise to loosen-the threads are reverse. (Cummins Forum)

Q: Can I switch to a full electric fan?
A: It can work in light trucks, but tests show big diesels may over-heat when towing because electric kits move less air than the stock clutch fan. (Diesel Army)

Q: Does a bigger radiator help more than a different fan?
A: A thicker radiator helps, but without enough airflow the extra core cannot release heat. Fan CFM is the first limit at low road speed.

Q: What happens if a blade breaks?
A: The fan can wobble, hit the shroud, and damage the radiator. Replace cracked blades right away.

Q: Is there a recall on Ram 2500 fans?
A: FCA issued fan-seizure recalls on some vehicles in the same truck family; always run your VIN at the NHTSA site to confirm. (NHTSA)

Q: How often should I inspect the fan?
A: Check blades and clutch play every oil change. Look for leaks around the clutch hub and for melted wiring on electric versions. (Dealer eProcess)

Q: What torque should I use on the fan-to-clutch bolts?
A: 18 ft-lb is the common spec for the M8 bolts that hold the blade to the clutch. (DodgeTalk)

Q: Does the fan affect fuel economy?
A: Yes. When the clutch locks, it takes extra power. A healthy clutch disengages at cruise so mileage stays normal. (Diesel Army)

Q: Will a PCM update change fan behavior?
A: Yes. TSB 18-076-22 added smarter fan commands to cut hot-weather knock and misfire. Ask a dealer to flash the latest file. (NHTSA)

Extra Resources

• Detailed Cummins ISB 6.7 torque chart (HeavyDutyPros) (Heavy Duty Pros)
• 2018 HD spec sheet (Chrysler media PDF)
• Overheating case study on CumminsForum (discussion)