Buy Jeep Wrangler Radiator Fans

The Jeep Wrangler cooling fan-also called a radiator fan, engine fan, or electric auxiliary fan-draws air through the radiator when the Jeep is idling or crawling off-road so the motor stays at a safe temperature. Modern Wrangler generations (JK 2007-2018 and JL 2018-present) use a computer-controlled electric fan; older YJ and TJ models rely on a belt-driven clutch fan plus a small electric A/C helper. Because the fan is critical for preventing overheating, understanding how it works, the parts that control it, and the problems that can crop up makes routine driving and trail work far safer. (Wikipedia)

• Temperature input. A sensor tells the power-train control module (PCM) the coolant's temperature. At roughly 203-215 °F the PCM triggers low-speed, and near 226 °F it commands high-speed on JK and JL models. (Wrangler Forum, JL Wrangler Forums)
• Relay or solid-state driver. The PCM closes a relay (JK) or sends a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal to a brushless motor driver (JL). If the relay fails, the fan may not run at all or may run constantly. (carparts.com)
• Motor and blades. Stock JK electric fans move about 1 800-2 000 CFM on low and around 2 400 CFM on high. (JK Forum, universalpartsinc.com)
• Shroud. A full plastic shroud seals the gap between the radiator and blades so air is pulled through the core, not around it. Running without a shroud can drop airflow sharply. (Reddit)

Learn more about engine cooling fans from this concise radiator overview.

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1. Relay burn-out. Engine runs hot because the relay never energizes the fan. (carparts.com)
2. Constant full-speed roar. A stuck relay or older JL PCM calibration locks the fan at high speed; update TSB 18-041-18 solves it. (JL Wrangler Forums)
3. No airflow at idle off-road. Mud clogging the shroud or bent blades cut CFM. (JK Owners)
4. Electrical open in TIPM (2012-15 JK). A failed TIPM circuit disables power even after a new fan is installed. (YouTube)
5. Overheating on steep grades. Faulty fan clutch on TJ or low-speed electric failure on JK causes temp spikes seen by many owners. (RepairPal.com)

• Fuse check. On JK, lift the TIPM cover; Fuse F18 (40 A) feeds the fan. Replace if open. Diagram: see Fuse-box.info. (YouTube)
• Relay swap. Exchange the high-speed relay with a known-good unit of the same style; if the fan wakes up, replace the relay. (carparts.com)
• JScan or scan-tool test. Force low and high speeds; no response means a failed motor or wiring. (Wrangler Forum)
• Listen for clicking. A clutch fan should roar briefly on a cold start then quiet down; constant roar on a warm TJ often signals a stuck clutch. (Wrangler TJ Forum)

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Unbolt the fan/shroud from the radiator (usually 4 x 8 mm bolts tightened to 8 N·m). (NHTSA)
3. Unplug the motor connector and lift the assembly straight up.
4. Drop-in the new unit, route wiring away from belts, and torque bolts to 8 N·m (TJ clutch nut 33 ft-lb). (ExtremeTerrain.com)
5. Reconnect the battery and test low/high speeds.

A complete illustrated recall-level procedure is available in FCA Customer Satisfaction Notice V54 (PDF link).

• YJ 4.2 L & 4.0 L: 6-blade clutch fan, 17 in., steel blades.
• TJ 4.0 L: Similar 17 in. clutch fan; optional Spal electric conversion rated 2 470 CFM. (universalpartsinc.com)
• JK 3.8 L: Early plastic-blade motor; 1 800 CFM low / ~2 400 CFM high. (JK Forum)
• JK 3.6 L: Upgraded motor with larger hub and improved bearings. (JK Owners)
• JL 2.0 T & 3.6 L: Brushless fan, variable speed, peak about 2 600 CFM; PCM commands duty cycle. (Jeeps.net Forum)

• Brushless Spal kits for JK bolt to the stock radiator and add ~25 % airflow with lower amp draw. (universalpartsinc.com)
• Aluminum shrouds reduce flex and improve pull across the entire core. (JK Owners)
• Temperature programming with a tuner lets owners start low-speed earlier for rock-crawling. (Jeeps.net Forum)

FCA issued several notices that mention Wrangler cooling fans:

• Recall 23V263 (April 2023) covers certain 2021-23 JL PHEV models for a software fix that prevents unexpected fan shutdown while charging. (NHTSA)
• Recall 23V787 warns owners to avoid moving parts and to have the fan module inspected for potential defects on 2021-23 JL hybrids. (NHTSA)
• Customer Satisfaction V54 (2019) replaces early fan motors that can seize from bushing wear. (NHTSA)

Always check your VIN at NHTSA's recall site before any cooling-system work.

A healthy electric fan draws about 22 amps at full speed, so long idling with A/C on strains the alternator; consider a high-output alternator if you run auxiliary lighting or winches. (universalpartsinc.com, Jeep Forum) Proper airflow also reduces fuel waste from excess engine heat.

Q: What does the cooling fan actually do?
A: It pulls outside air through the radiator when the Jeep isn't moving fast enough for wind to do the job. (Wikipedia)

Q: When should the fan turn on?
A: On most JK and JL Wranglers it starts low-speed near 203-215 °F and high-speed around 226 °F. (Wrangler Forum)

Q: My TJ's fan is always loud at start-up-is that normal?
A: A clutch fan roars for a few seconds on a cold start; constant roar after warm-up means the clutch is stuck. (Wrangler TJ Forum)

Q: Where is the fan fuse on a 2014 JK?
A: It's Fuse M17 (40 A) in the TIPM under-hood fuse box. (YouTube)

Q: Can a bad fan relay cause A/C problems?
A: Yes; the same fan cools the A/C condenser, so a failed relay can make the A/C blow warm in traffic. (carparts.com)

Q: How many CFM does the stock JK fan move?
A: Roughly 1 800 CFM on low and about 2 400 CFM on high. (JK Forum)

Q: Is there a recall for noisy JL fans?
A: FCA released TSB 18-041-18, a software flash that reduces fan noise on 2018-19 JL models. (JL Wrangler Forums)

Q: What's the torque spec for a TJ fan clutch nut?
A: Tighten it to 33 ft-lb (45 N·m). (ExtremeTerrain.com)

Q: Will removing the shroud improve airflow?
A: No; the shroud increases suction. Removing it reduces airflow and can cause overheating. (Reddit)

Q: How do I force the fan on for testing?
A: Use a scan tool such as JScan to command high-speed; if the fan stays off, inspect wiring or the motor. (Wrangler Forum)