Engine cooling fans and clutch — replacement
Warning: Wait until the engine is completely cool before beginning this procedure.
Warning: To avoid possible injury or damage, DO NOT operate the engine with a damaged fan. Do not attempt to repair fan blades — replace a damaged fan with a new one.
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Remove the plastic cover over the radiator support (see Radiator grille — removal and installation).
6.0L V8 models
3. Partially drain the cooling system (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
4. Remove the air filter housing assembly and intake duct (see Fuel and exhaust systems).
5. Detach any hoses attached to the upper fan shroud and position them aside; the expansion tank hose will have to be detached from the radiator. Remove the upper fan shroud (see illustration). It’s only necessary to remove the upper portion for many service operations.
5.5 Detach the retaining clips (A) and, if equipped, the bolts (B) on each side of the shroud
6. Use a large wrench to remove the fan clutch retaining nut and detach the fan and clutch assembly from the engine. The drivebelt should keep the pulley from turning as the fan nut is loosened. If the water pump pulley slips on the belt it will be necessary to remove the drivebelt (s) (see Tune-up and routine maintenance) and use a strap wrench to hold the pulley (see illustration).
5.6 Loosening the fan clutch hub nut while holding the pulley with a strap wrench
Note: The clutch hub nut has regular, right-hand threads (turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen).
7. Remove the bolts securing the fan to the fan clutch (see illustration).
5.7 Fan retaining bolts
8. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten all fasteners to the torques listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
9. Refill the cooling system (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
4.3L V6 and 5.3L/6.2L
V8 models
Warning: Wait until the engine is completely cool before beginning this procedure.
10. Drain the cooling system (see Chapter 1).
11. Remove the intake air duct and resonator assembly (see Fuel and exhaust systems).
12. Disconnect the upper radiator hose and expansion tank hose.
13. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines, then remove the fan shroud mounting bolt from the right side of the radiator (see illustration).
5.13 Disconnect the transmission cooler lines (1) then remove the fan shroud right side mounting bolt (2)
14. Disconnect the engine oil cooler lines, then remove the fan shroud mounting bolt from the left side of the radiator (see illustration).
5.14 Disconnect the engine oil cooler lines ( 1) then remove the fan shroud left side mounting bolt (2)
15. Disconnect the fan motor electrical connectors. Remove any hoses or wiring harnesses that may be attached to the fan shroud.
16. Remove the cooling fan/shroud assembly by lifting it up and out of the engine compartment.
17. Remove the mounting bolts and separate the cooling fan motor (s) from the shroud.
Caution: Before removing the fans from the shroud, be sure to mark them. The left and right-side fans are different, but it’s possible to install them on the wrong side.
18. Put tape over any openings on good motors when either one of them is removed to protect them from debris.
19. After thoroughly cleaning all debris from the shroud, remove the protective tape from the motor (s).
20. Install the fan motor mounting bolts and tighten them securely.
21. Turn the fan blade and confirm that it is correctly installed.
22. The remainder of installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Tighten all fasteners securely.
23. Refill the cooling system and check the engine oil and transmission fluid levels (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).