Case Study: Locked Up Fan Clutch Pt1 Diagnosis 1996 Dodge Dakota 3.9L V6

In this video we will be diagnosing a locked up fan clutch on this 1996 Dodge Dakota 3.9L. Fan Clutches should always variate the rate of slip at any given temperature. During this test the outside temperature was 32 degrees and this Fan Clutch doesn't variate very well.
Part 2 We will replace the Fan Clutch and retest the new one compared to the failed unit. We will make a surprising find with the failed fan clutch.

[@adrianornelas6447]

I went through two aftermarket fan clutches on my 03 gmc sierra. The first one never cycled. Even when holding the rpms at 5k. Got it replaced and it was better but acted like the one in this video. I ended up getting a used one from the junkyard and that worked perfect.

[@KNKRNR]

Yup I have seen it take 3 different fan clutches to find one that works kinda okay. We have tried them all with the same results.
/K&K

[@piercerich9]

Great video, i had a similar issue on my 05 dakota. Factory one wouldnt lock up, got an aftermarket one and it was just like this one. Got ANOTHER aftermarket one and it leaked silicon lube. Long story short, swapped to an electric fan and it feels like a different truck!

[@kingchungus67]

Thank you so much for making this video

[@dr4782]

I have this exact problem on my 2000 Dakota, especially when the weather is hot. The fan stays locked even at highway speeds, and it takes a very long time to unlock. In fact, there have been times during extreme heat that the fan will lock back up when I start coasting. It also locks back up every time I come to a stop, and the process repeats itself.

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

I replaced my fan clutch three times due to rear ending other cars. My grandson had just gotten his license.
The last fan clutch sounds just like this. I've been saying its not right.
After seeing this, I am going to see if i can get a replacement under it's warranty.

[@salscrofano7870]

My ranger sounds the same

[@81oldstoronado]

Now if i was beside that truck i would think it had a V8 in it......

[@barrygordon1173]

Mine on my truck is stuck engaged...truck will not heat past 150...no problems with gas or anything