Chevy Trailblazer: Electric Fan Clutch Failure

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  • Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
  • In this video I have a look at a Chevy Trailblazer that is having some problems with the electronic viscous fan clutch. Seems like a silly design for a cooling fan but it is pretty easy to diagnose once you know how it works. -Enjoy!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 498

  • @paulhunt598
    @paulhunt598 5 років тому +5

    Eric,
    I'm teaching an electricity fundamentals class to a bunch homeschool boys. We are approaching understanding PWM, but I am frustrated that I can't design a good lab for theory reinforcement. I don't own an O scope. Your scope videos like this one are just what I need. I intend to pirate a video for my lab.
    I also intend to have the class view some of your videos to reinforce understanding the need for testing, validation, and absolute certainty before making the call and ordering the part. My students are 8-16, and I anticipate that possibly 3 of them will pursue electrical trouble shooting careers. Your real world trouble shooting is the spirit that I hope to convey to my students.
    I spent my career as an industrial electrician/mechanic. Training my coworkers and subordinates to become TROUBLESHOOTERS was a career long task. Our department had the highest respect in the plant, because when my technicians "made the call" no one challenged them. The correct part was condemned, repaired or replaced. I am retired and I no longer have to diagnose and turn wrenches (or supervise the crew that I trained) daily, but I enjoy taking the ride with you.
    I sometimes scream at my phone when you step out of the auto repair shop closer into "my" world and I know a better way. I never enjoyed working on cars, and you broaden my understanding of your world. You are a pro. You would have excelled in my world and I I would have enjoyed working with you if you had been one of my team members.

  • @JackdeDuCoeur
    @JackdeDuCoeur 5 років тому +19

    You did an EXCELLENT JOB teaching the theory of operation. What an overly and unnecessarily complex system to adjust fan speed - just give me an electric fan, thank you.

    • @NicholasAndre1
      @NicholasAndre1 4 роки тому +1

      Until the motor 💩s itself and the OEM replacement is $1000.

    • @richardwells9738
      @richardwells9738 3 роки тому

      So where is the speed sensor

    • @151bradhatt
      @151bradhatt 3 роки тому +2

      @@richardwells9738 in the fan clutch

  • @marksmith6104
    @marksmith6104 5 років тому +43

    Glad you posted. I was starting to get the shakes.

    • @ronringel9132
      @ronringel9132 5 років тому +2

      Well said, Mark Smith... LOL

    • @williampayton9515
      @williampayton9515 5 років тому

      Bunch of damn (video) addicts...............Haaaaa. My name is William, and I'm an addict. Welcome William to the meetings everyone..........LOL

  • @saeedhossain6099
    @saeedhossain6099 5 років тому +17

    Dude, I'm always so impressed with you and your content. You are really an electrical engineer who fixes cars meticulous!

    • @jaredstrehlein5605
      @jaredstrehlein5605 5 років тому +1

      I agree He is good. He tries to eliminate the parts cannon.

  • @RichardSchletty
    @RichardSchletty Рік тому +2

    You have a friendly, easy-going demeanor that almost makes me believe that I understand complicated electrical circuits. Thanks for making the cryptic accessible! My sons and I are going to replace the clutch on my 2006 Chevy Trailblazer. It has been doing a full-on click, click, click for weeks. Presumably a bad clutch bearing.

  • @benritchsmith
    @benritchsmith 5 років тому +2

    You keep getting better. Experience is what makes you better. Better means happy customers in the end. And at the end of all your work is great satisfaction! Love the show and thank you for letting us be a part of it. Rock on.

  • @Mr.Highway
    @Mr.Highway 5 років тому +20

    I so enjoy your channel.
    Truly this is an educational experience !
    on your channel I learn how to fix things on Scotty's channel I learned that the only car to own is his Celica and everything else I might as well own a bicycle thanks Eric O...👍

  • @Paul1958R
    @Paul1958R 5 років тому +28

    Image a toilet designed by modern automotive engineers: water level sensor, flush handle sensor, totally integrated flush control module (TIFTM - say 'tiftum'), water 'density' sensor, bowl level sensor, hall effect flapper valve sensor, overstuff bypass module, etc. Think about 'bi-directional' control.
    SMA#1
    God bless
    Paul

    • @jeremyhanna3852
      @jeremyhanna3852 5 років тому +2

      Dont forget the seatbelts and airbags and paper level sensor and over wieght seat shut down valve

    • @eizzle78
      @eizzle78 5 років тому +1

      Don’t forget the square per wipe regulations!

    • @jeremyhanna3852
      @jeremyhanna3852 5 років тому +1

      @@eizzle78 that's government control not the seat and bowl institute

    • @josephwash109
      @josephwash109 5 років тому

      They'd also add a Courtesy Flush Timer Module and a Flush Volume Detection Module.

    • @jeremyhanna3852
      @jeremyhanna3852 5 років тому

      @@josephwash109 cant forget the solid state flush handle module

  • @chevychase3103
    @chevychase3103 5 років тому +9

    Thanks Eric for taking your time to teach us your tricks! We know it takes up a lot of your time thanks again!

    • @tracycolorado
      @tracycolorado 5 років тому +1

      thats why he has another employee to do the real work ;- ) . thanks EO , for thinking of Us

  • @eddiereichel9354
    @eddiereichel9354 5 років тому +53

    You dont have to break your Trailblazer fan shroud to get the new fan in. But it helps.

    • @troyphillips8607
      @troyphillips8607 5 років тому +7

      GM junk

    • @chadharmon5716
      @chadharmon5716 5 років тому +1

      Troy Phillips Isuzu

    • @jasonbrown467
      @jasonbrown467 5 років тому +3

      after changing both of my trailblazers fan clutches many times i notched out the fan shroud with tin snips just around the upper radiator hose inlet/outlet thing.

    • @robertthrem3382
      @robertthrem3382 4 роки тому

      No hahahaloosen the shrol 2 bolts and pushtotheengine and pull it outfromthedriverside

  • @ismarmeskovic
    @ismarmeskovic 5 років тому +2

    Power of knowledge on how to utilize diagnostic equipment properly and how to analyze valuable data!Great one Eric!

  • @Bushougoma
    @Bushougoma 5 років тому +36

    11:34 The bad clutch bearing is the likely cause for the gaps in the PWM waveform at high RPM due to the tone ring wobbling.

    • @Defofone
      @Defofone 5 років тому +6

      Glue on a Nd magnet and call it a day

  • @RussellBooth1977
    @RussellBooth1977 5 років тому +44

    If the bearing for the viscous fan coupling has play in it,that may be causing the Hall sensor to throw out an erroneous reading as it can no longer maintain a clean square wave due to the fact the toothed wheel or whatever has started to flop around,so the signal ends up dirty,all broken up & garbled at higher RPMs !

    • @bookerol
      @bookerol 5 років тому +2

      Not to mention hard on the water pump.

    • @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
      @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 4 роки тому +1

      if the bearing is bad - could you still hot wire the 30/87 relay circuit to engage the fan clutch?

    • @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
      @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 4 роки тому +1

      So you have to rev the engine to get the fan clutch to engage? What if it doesn't?

  • @brianbrundage3116
    @brianbrundage3116 5 років тому +9

    Im just wondering why gm did not choose to use dual electric fans. Perhaps more c f m can be obtained through mechanical. Great video Eric. Thank you for reading operation and explaining what is wrong. You would make a excellent vocational teacher

    • @Buc_Stops_Here
      @Buc_Stops_Here 5 років тому +3

      I worked for GM as a consultant in the mid 2000s when there was a push to improve quality. At the time we recommended the simplification of electrical systems to improve the quality, and to gradually to increase the complexity so the quality could come along with it. We also instituted Kaizen process improvement to help with the data coming back from dealerships to fix and redesign every year problem areas. As a result of these two moves GM's quality has improved today although it still does not quite match Toyota. To answer your question, two fans at the time increased complexity and was not attempted. I believe it was added in the early 2010s.

    • @wyokaiju992
      @wyokaiju992 5 років тому +2

      @@Buc_Stops_Here I assume this only applied to GM branded, and not "child companies" such as Pontiac? The Fifth generation Grand AM uses dual electric fans, for example.

    • @Buc_Stops_Here
      @Buc_Stops_Here 5 років тому +4

      @@wyokaiju992 The way our job was is we were assigned to specific divisions, and not the divisions you are thinking of. I was assigned to Allison Transmission for example, in Indianapolis (their headquarters). Counterparts were assigned at Saab first, their smallest division. Others were assigned to GM Powertrain. Last, some were assigned to Buick which is not that small, because of China (over a million cars sold annually there, about 250,000 in the USA). Those divisions we worked directly with. They took those learnings and applied it to the remaining divisions after the bankruptcy, so besides GM Powertrain, Pontiac never got the training.

  • @CubasAutomotive
    @CubasAutomotive 5 років тому +10

    Right at the end, poor Eric got all choked up talking to the ppl! @15:09 lol.
    Good diag Eric!

  • @AndyK.1
    @AndyK.1 5 років тому +1

    Thanks for the explanation. My off-road truck has one and wondered exactly how it worked. They are a nice blend of old tech under electronic control.

  • @davidhoekje7842
    @davidhoekje7842 5 років тому +1

    Good troubleshoot. That's a cool technology. Mechanically simple, using mostly information that's already in the ECU, and it improves efficiency and protects various systems, plus gives feedback of something is outside of temperature specifications. I'm impressed.

  • @TheObersalzburg
    @TheObersalzburg 5 років тому +1

    Eric, great explanation. This system made me think of Scotty in one Star Trek movie, "The more complicated you make the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain".

  • @j.cooper2246
    @j.cooper2246 5 років тому

    Bro.....just helped my brother in law do one of these on his 05 tb...he almost bought a dorman product, i said hell no...order one from rockauto instead.all good.thanks but your about a week late..however i really enjoy your v-jayo's..thanks so much.best to u and yours..happy wrenching boys and girls...

  • @MrOnemanop
    @MrOnemanop 5 років тому

    I have a similar vehicle (2002 Envoy) with a newly "wandering" Temp. gage. I was just going to through a new thermostat into it (Tricky job, last time took me 2.5hrs.) But seeing this video makes me think there are processes beyond my ability to diagnose, so I'll go see a pro who can look at inputs such as these to truly discover what's going on. Thanks Eric!

  • @chrisholmes6311
    @chrisholmes6311 5 років тому +24

    I’m a big fan of your explanations Eric 🇦🇺

    • @mikephelps8212
      @mikephelps8212 5 років тому +2

      Yeah, I sense he is a pretty good guy.

    • @walterk1221
      @walterk1221 5 років тому +1

      @@mikephelps8212 I assure you he is. I had occasion to get a bearing replaced a couple days ago. Fast, efficient, very reasonable price.

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому

      @Chris Holmes: YOURE JOKING, RIGHT!!
      Guys like this make auto makers think that they need to make things even more complicated and asinine, to keep just anyone from being able to work on them!!
      You did notice the AMAZINGLY STUPIDLY OVERCOMPLICATED COOLING FAN SYSTEM, on this example of a vehicle?? There are actual rocket scientists, with a secondary back up career as a brain surgeon, with an actual cure for cancer, that were confused by this DUMBER THAN A SCREEN DOOR ON A SUBMARINE cooling fan system!
      A fan belt powered, hydro-viscous coupled, computer controlled, pulse width modulated thru a relay cooling fan, on a mid quality vehicle!! LAMBORGHINI IS LAUGHING!!

    • @ferrumignis
      @ferrumignis 5 років тому

      @@roadkill5333 I'm guessing you struggled to understand this relatively simple control system then?

    • @MrPiimpslap
      @MrPiimpslap 5 років тому

      @@roadkill5333 It makes sense, the engineers wanted more cooling, which mechanical fans are better at than electric, but didnt want the noise from having a severe-duty fan clutch or the slow warm-up at cold-engine startup, which kills emissions.

  • @unknownwelder6815
    @unknownwelder6815 5 років тому +1

    Eric I'm from upstate South Carolina, just found your channel this week and I enjoy it. I stopped watching t.v. because its just crap, but this makes me smarter. I'm a welder and I love DIY and you do great explaining everything. P.S. rebuild the tractor! My grandpa had 4 farmall Tractors and I to appreciate them.

  • @ThePracticalMechanic
    @ThePracticalMechanic 5 років тому +3

    Those things come in shop all the time sounding like a jet engine when the fan clutch locks up. Main complaint from customer is reduced power and fuel mileage.
    Thanks for the explanation and the video Eric O.

    • @mecalpsha4473
      @mecalpsha4473 5 років тому +1

      Because they replace it with one that is made overseas. The only one to buy is the OEM and/or behr and it is not a hard job. One can make tying their shoes into a complex mess.

    • @ThePracticalMechanic
      @ThePracticalMechanic 5 років тому +2

      Mec Alpsha 👍🏻 Yup OE is the only way to go on these.

    • @mecalpsha4473
      @mecalpsha4473 5 років тому +1

      @@ThePracticalMechanic I agree OE is the way to go.

  • @SWMOWZ
    @SWMOWZ 5 років тому +2

    Just wanted to say thanks Eric i just did the axles and wheel hub assembly's on my 98 caravan with the big 3.3liter lol never done this before and your vids and advice helped me a lot keep grinding brother you're doing a hell of a job!!

  • @toysareforboys1
    @toysareforboys1 5 років тому +8

    Ohh, I like the highlight circle on the wiring diagrams! Not to cause you way more work, but when talking about where the wire run, would be cool if you could trace them "live" on the wiring diagram :)

    • @reecenewton3097
      @reecenewton3097 5 років тому

      We could have more 1940 movie effects, like windshield wiper fades, etc.

  • @g.cooney6599
    @g.cooney6599 5 років тому +1

    Hi Eric!
    I have an somewhat unrelated scenario. A 2017 Mini comes in with a burning smell under the hood. Confirmed customer complaint for sure. There is definitely a burning (almost electrical ) smell. We removed the bumper etc. to get to things (thinking alternator). After running it on the lift for better part of the day the burning smell kept concentrating in different locations in the engine compartment. No visible burnt wires or components but a very concentrated smell by the valve cover. Did I mention this is a standard shift car (best theft deterrent ever!)? It turns out the driver has abused the clutch and when removing the slave cylinder we found friction material in the bell housing. This really smelled like something electrical! Like to see a scan tool find this one!
    All the Best,
    G.

  • @Carducci69
    @Carducci69 5 років тому +1

    I've never seen an engine bay this clean in a SMA video 📹

  • @IsshmanGarcia
    @IsshmanGarcia 2 роки тому +2

    Great video as usual. Per GM service info: The desired RPM vs the actual RPM will NOT always be identical. It states that as long as they are within 800 rpm of each other, that is normal. Also code for this diag would be P0526 Fan Speed Sensor Circuit.

  • @rogerf3622
    @rogerf3622 5 років тому +3

    Excellent diagnosis of a common problem with the 6-cyl 2000 Trailblazer. Expensive part too. But the fun part is disassembling the front end including pulling the radiator to replace it. I was hoping you found an easier way to replace it.

    • @ishmaelpatel893
      @ishmaelpatel893 5 років тому +1

      Roger F and the nut from fan to wpump is always rusted lol sawzall

    • @MegaDysart
      @MegaDysart 5 років тому

      two m8 bolts threaded into the front to hold the clutch in while you pull the shroud, easy peasy. Took me less than an hour to finish a water pump job on these, doing the fan clutch isn't that bad. Stupid design though.

    • @ishmaelpatel893
      @ishmaelpatel893 5 років тому +1

      The big nut is probably seized bro. Find out.

    • @ishmaelpatel893
      @ishmaelpatel893 5 років тому +1

      A bad fan will destroy the water pump anyway lol

    • @ishmaelpatel893
      @ishmaelpatel893 5 років тому +1

      Centrifugal force

  • @SimpleLife1971
    @SimpleLife1971 5 років тому +1

    Eric, something tells me you were great with video games growing up! This gave you the electronic skills you have today!
    Superb Video!

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому

      WHAT!! You kidding?? Eric's kids watched this video and said: MAN, THAT LOOKS COMPLICATED!!
      And we thought "PONG" was hard, when we were growing up!!

  • @SteveP-vm1uc
    @SteveP-vm1uc 5 років тому +1

    While everyone is complaining about CAFE, I want to remind you that before CAFE, we had shit in the air a mile thick. Cars got about 8 miles to the gallon average and any idiot could work on cars, or at least they thought so!! We changed out plugs and points almost as often as oil and engines didn't last 100K. Plus there would not have been a need to ever watch Eric as the points change videos would be incredibly boring. So show a bit of appreciation for having much cleaner air and cars getting much better mileage and engines lasting 2-3 times longer AND being able to watch Eric figure things out and fix them. I am at 122K on my F250 and still on the same old factory plugs. Hell, 99% of the truck is factory and still runs great.

  • @MrHotguy41
    @MrHotguy41 5 років тому +9

    Awesome video Eric thankyou well explained thankyou for taking time to make videos of your work. Have a good weekend from U.K.

  • @Dreccomel193
    @Dreccomel193 5 років тому +1

    Love it, thank you Mr. O for taking the time to make this video. I have been chasing this issue without the scanner without directional controls. 👍😊 Hey... my wire diagram say "Hot at all times" 😡 yours say "Hot on run/start" 🤔 and I paid 5 bucks to get it 😒.

  • @arthurfricchione8119
    @arthurfricchione8119 5 років тому +3

    Eric,so glad my vehicles are older and well maintained. All this new fangaled high tech computer driven stuff is a recipe for headaches. Good video explaining how the system works and what to expect on the scope? How do you like the new Vantage? Have a good weekend Artie 👍👍👍

  • @pyro323
    @pyro323 5 років тому

    I just got my brakes fixed on my '05 cavalier. I had to go back and have them finish a brake job they started, I didn't have enough money to pay for the whole job. They replaced my shoes and rear drums and spliced into a good section of my brake line just to get me home. When I finally had enough to finish the brake job I took my car back to the shop and every time the shop went to bleed my brakes another brake line popped. I went in for just one brake line and ended up getting all my brake lines fixed for the price of just one. Thanks Mavis Discount Tire. I was in the waiting room for 7 hours, but I have brand new brakes now.

  • @richardcranium5839
    @richardcranium5839 5 років тому +17

    be glad they didnt add a variable pitch control and feedback to the blades on top of it. wait should i delete this? some engineer might think its a good idea.

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому +4

      If the system you describe is ever used, and air traffic control isn't involved or the name LAMBORGHINI is not stuck on the outside, we will hold you personally responsible for all repair bills!! Lol

    • @Garth2011
      @Garth2011 5 років тому +2

      Then they'd have to determine what pitch to set it for when there is a failure in the control system> LOL

    • @jeremyhanna3852
      @jeremyhanna3852 5 років тому

      German cars have variable pitch cooling fan just like a variable pitch torque converter

    • @olspanner
      @olspanner 5 років тому

      Careful what you wish for!

    • @mikewarman9910
      @mikewarman9910 5 років тому

      Variable vain turbochargers are a thing. Also the manufacturer I work for uses variable electric oil pumps, and water pumps.

  • @erikjohnson2889
    @erikjohnson2889 5 років тому +2

    Another viscous coupling! You totally hooked up the "non-serviceable" one for the Kia lady (a different part, but that was pretty cool).

  • @delano62
    @delano62 5 років тому +48

    I'm glad my ceiling fan isn't that complicated.

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому +2

      I'm glad my pacemaker isn't that complicated!!
      Brain surgery isn't that complicated!!
      Heck, women in general, aren't that complicated!! And who can figure women out?

    • @ismarmeskovic
      @ismarmeskovic 5 років тому

      @@roadkill5333 lol ;D

  • @randallorr3730
    @randallorr3730 5 років тому +1

    The most likely reason the fan shroud is broken is because at one time someone removed the fan without removing it with the shroud. If you try to remove the fan without removing it with the shroud most of the time you will break the shroud and in rare cases break the fan. Its not that hard to remove them together and it will save some parts in the process. Really good breakdown on the sensor failure. These actually are a somewhat common failure on these vehicles.

  • @richardwilkes2990
    @richardwilkes2990 5 років тому +10

    hope you show the video of the replacement/fix. THx! Happy Friday.....go have a taco :)

  • @tinkerwest
    @tinkerwest 5 років тому +5

    Clear explanation of theory, operation and diagnosis. 🤓 👍
    Do you recommend to your customer to change water pump when changing electric fan clutch as they both age similarly? 🤔

    • @paultomasetti5164
      @paultomasetti5164 5 років тому

      Might as well throw a thermostat and temp sensor in as well on that model if it hasn’t been done

    • @williegillie5712
      @williegillie5712 5 років тому

      Funny thing. I’ve heard that is the recommendation. At least when the water pump is changed the fan clutch should also be changed. They wear about the same.

    • @reecenewton3097
      @reecenewton3097 5 років тому

      @@williegillie5712 An out of balance fan can beat the water pump to death. It's one of those "while you're in there, you might as well..."

  • @MAJorgy70
    @MAJorgy70 5 років тому

    I have a '05 TB and the viscous fan clutch went bad. The A/C wasn't staying cold/cool when at stop light. The fan speed wouldn't increase with engine RPMs with A/C on. I could actually hold onto the fan with the engine running. Yup, living on the wild side. 🤣 Thanks for showing there can be electrical side of it too.

  • @brendathornlimb7677
    @brendathornlimb7677 Рік тому

    Thank you very much!!!! You were very helpful. Mine has acted weird also. Be thr next step to get a new one. Thank you. Diagrams and all were very helpful. Thank you

  • @TheSiliconSoul
    @TheSiliconSoul 5 років тому

    8:47 Suggest remembering to blur or otherwise conceal names on customer keys...unless they already signed some type of waiver. Love your channel.

  • @notchagrandpa8875
    @notchagrandpa8875 4 роки тому

    Eric's the man, if he can't diagnose your vehicle's problem, well chances are you don't have a vehicle.

  • @baxrok2.
    @baxrok2. 5 років тому +1

    Not the failure I was expecting. Sweet diag sir. Thanks Dr. O!

  • @fredhoffman1017
    @fredhoffman1017 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for making this video. Could you be more specific in showing which wire or wires you had the test light hooked up to? Also why was the test light blinking? Thanks again.

  • @willierepairone5389
    @willierepairone5389 5 років тому

    Your introduction is
    Awesome....
    Enthusiastic, and a positive attitude..

  • @williegillie5712
    @williegillie5712 5 років тому

    Same as the old fan clutch types except instead of using a simple temp sensing bi- metal spring to open the fluid reservoir and engage the clutch it uses inputs from transmission, AC, Hall effect and engine temp sensors for the computer to activate the clutch. Not sure why they needed to change the design. It seemed to work well. The only time the fan is really needed is when there is no air flow or when the vehicle is not in motion. I prefer the older style fan clutch. Much less that can go wrong. Nice job Eric

  • @PaulysAuto
    @PaulysAuto 5 років тому +9

    Great video Eric, thanks for showing the pulse width modulation command and the feedback signal on these fans.
    Very helpful, Hope you are doing well my friend!

    • @hugh007
      @hugh007 5 років тому

      This is just to run the FAN? Sounds like an employment program for out of work GM engineers.

  • @billyyoder8171
    @billyyoder8171 5 років тому

    Thank you Dr. O. Good job. Have a blessed and safe week. Keep up the Fan tastic work.

  • @michaelblacktree
    @michaelblacktree 5 років тому +27

    An electronically controlled clutch fan? Sounds like an automotive engineer had a "hold my beer" moment. 🙄

    • @loogue
      @loogue 5 років тому +1

      Or "hold my wine" if it's a French car 🤦🏼‍♂️

    • @brokemanfishing6413
      @brokemanfishing6413 5 років тому +2

      As the tech drank or while saying "obviously you don't wrench on your own shit"

    • @JackS425
      @JackS425 5 років тому

      Michael dougherty I'm sure Chrysler was inspired by that design for the grand Cherokee

    • @tylermacconnell217
      @tylermacconnell217 4 роки тому

      michael blacktree - very common on HD diesel pickups...they need a mechanical fan for max cooling. But I agree, this TrailBlazer doesn’t.

  • @trezsr
    @trezsr 5 років тому +1

    I have slop in my bearings, and my wife doesn't like it. Nice vid!

  • @garybrady8411
    @garybrady8411 5 років тому

    A very timely video for me. my 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 has a very similar fan set up. I believe it is bad and it took out my A/C compressor. One of the inputs is from the A/C system and mine let the high side pressure blow all of the gas out the on the compressor relief valve. This will give me a chance to try out that ne Picoscope scope. Thanks for the information it will be a big help in my diagnostic plan and repair.

  • @icesoft1
    @icesoft1 5 років тому +9

    Suspect the play in the fan bearing @5:50 is the tell that the speed sensor is the likely culprit (much like a wheel bearing and ABS speed sensor).

    • @flagmichael
      @flagmichael 5 років тому

      First rule of troubleshooting: make everything right, then see what problems remain.

  • @jkunderwood3291
    @jkunderwood3291 5 років тому +35

    I feel like 300+° is a little late for the transmission

    • @zuestoots5176
      @zuestoots5176 5 років тому +1

      No kidding..

    • @mcf3778
      @mcf3778 5 років тому +1

      No doubt.. 210 is not even good

    • @jkunderwood3291
      @jkunderwood3291 5 років тому +1

      South Main Auto Repair LLC no kidding! I’ve never seen above 200° and that’s about as hot as any should get safely.

  • @ericcorse
    @ericcorse 5 років тому

    That was interesting and that last paragraph answered some question about the way my TB fan has always worked. I'd have to change the shroud otherwise I would slice my arm deeply and wide.

  • @justinnelson8680
    @justinnelson8680 5 років тому +2

    UA-cam notification early in the morning? Gotta be SMA. It's gonna be a good day!

  • @QQTrick1QQ
    @QQTrick1QQ 4 роки тому

    Thanks Eric O, the right video at the right time for my situation,

  • @christopherzube551
    @christopherzube551 5 років тому +1

    Ahhh the dreaded fan clutch. I had so many problems with that as well. Ended up changing it to a thermal and sending pcm to a tuneshop to delete codes. No problems since. I do think that they used a fan clutch because the engine is all aluminum which gets hotter much faster than a regular engine with cast block with aluminum heads. However letting it reach 260 before full command in fan clutch is just absurd in my opinion

    • @mistermechanic2257
      @mistermechanic2257 5 років тому

      I would just like to convert the damn thing to a bi-metal fan clutch like on my 2000 s10 with 4.3 v6. They attach to water pump similarly. or maybe remove it all to together and add an electric fan. any consequences to vehicle operation other than the check engine light?

    • @christopherzube551
      @christopherzube551 5 років тому +1

      @@mistermechanic2257 you can buy a thermal fan clutch on rock auto. For years 2002 to 2007 used the electric viscous fan clutch. 2008 and 2009 used a thermal. You can buy a thermal for year 2009 and it will still work. You will have service engine soon light on but is still driveable. Then if I was you I would send the pcm to get tuned that can delete the dtc codes. Their is pcm4less and lime-swap.com. I did mine with lime-swap.com and love it. You can message him and does pretty well emailing back with answers to any questions you have. It's 100 bucks but well worth it

  • @cassiuspuckett8789
    @cassiuspuckett8789 5 років тому +1

    Good video, but I am concerned about the loose bearing and that could throw off the hall effect switch. But either way, the fan clutch will need to be replaced, because it's all one unit in the fan clutch, and I don't think that it's rebuildable. Thanks for sharing....

  • @lackeydehackey405
    @lackeydehackey405 5 років тому

    Just like PWM on the HVAC blower only with a sensor instead of human and knob. BTW Eric, the sensor on that fan works like the one in the reformatted hard drive PC. 3 wires, 5V ground and a PWM output to see if the fan is working. Had to reprogram one when they changed fan models.

  • @johnh8546
    @johnh8546 5 років тому +1

    Love the channel man. That seems like a massively overly overcomplicated system. Hey got to keep those GM dealerships in business.

  • @barrywhitley2535
    @barrywhitley2535 5 років тому +31

    Why do manufacturers have to make things so complicated. Surely a temperature switch wired in series with the fan would do the job just as well?

    • @jo300hn
      @jo300hn 5 років тому +9

      Wouldn't satisfy the other high speed fan demand criteria, that would be a very basic control system.

    • @ThePracticalMechanic
      @ThePracticalMechanic 5 років тому +17

      I think it mostly comes down to power and fuel mileage. Keep the fan speed as low as possible and still performing the cooling needs or the engine. Also air conditioning gets a performance increases at idle if they ramp up the fan speed.

    • @NoWr2Run
      @NoWr2Run 5 років тому +8

      SO IT WORKS LIKE A REGULAR CLUTCH FAN ?

    • @yqwgjsg
      @yqwgjsg 5 років тому +13

      Seems like it might work if you attached the fan directly to the water pump shaft. Even with an old fashioned clutch fan it worked for decades without the need for sensors or scan tools and most importantly, computers.

    • @barrywhitley2535
      @barrywhitley2535 5 років тому +5

      @@yqwgjsg I had a 1950 Ford Popular back in UK. The fan was mounted on the belt driven dynamo on the top of the engine and had no problems. Used to get a load of pleasure working on that car on a Saturday and Sunday. All the tools needed were an adjustable spanner, pair of pliers and a screw driver. Wonder what the scan tool would make of that!!!

  • @mikechiodetti6737
    @mikechiodetti6737 5 років тому

    Complicated. The wonderful world of electronics! Oh ya, mix in a sloppy bearing and oops! No bueno! Nice Work Mr. O!

  • @anthonyjcarolan3161
    @anthonyjcarolan3161 5 років тому +3

    I love ❤️ the SMA and fluid film test light 🏮 is so hilarious I can't wait for the next video 📷 #SMAFluidFilmTestLight

  • @1013redoak
    @1013redoak 5 років тому

    My local shotgun mechanics would have just changed the Fan Clutch with no testing at all! Your testing causes minimal comebacks at South Main Auto!

  • @elcheapo5302
    @elcheapo5302 5 років тому +2

    Well done, Mr. O. When do we get to meet Jason?

  • @big27man2009
    @big27man2009 5 років тому

    My 05 envoy with 115,000 miles is throwing a code for the fan as well. Gonna show this video to my mechanic and tell him if he can do it you can do it

  • @jonathangunnells2628
    @jonathangunnells2628 5 років тому

    Hey so I’ve had some shaking issues at certain speeds that’s pretty aggressive.
    I’ve been told that tired could be out of balance or that there is a defect in the tires or wheels.
    I had one mechanic lift on the back end get it up to about 65 mph and you could see some wobble in the wheel, however.
    I got under my truck before this mechanic looked at it and my drive shaft &slip yolk have a lot of movement up or down, almost an entire inch.
    This mechanic said no it’s nothing to worry about.
    I took it to another mechanic the following week and he picked up on the back end, and the slip yolk came out of the transfer case about a half an inch.
    I believe I have an issue with my transfer case or driveshaft/slipyolk.
    The tires and wheels are almost brand new, they were made the end of 2018 according to the date on the wheels.
    They prolly only have like 3000 miles on them.
    Yet the violent shaking persist.
    This is also after I installed a 4.75 inch lift and these wheels are 33x12.5.
    If you have any opinion or advice, would be greatly appreciated.

  • @jasonbrown467
    @jasonbrown467 5 років тому +1

    i have had two trailblazers for close to 11 years now and love them both., but they both always have problems with this fan setup. the last time i replaced them both i got the lifetime warranty fan from autobone about 3 years ago. anyways i did not have the tools to observe rpm, or the scope to monitor the square wave of the speed sensor., as you have but i know i have had problems with these fans for some time now. i have to replace them about once a year sometimes more.in each vehicle, i have gotten pretty fast at it lol .anyways. i read there was a gm service bulliten on these fans and gm recommends a pcm flash and a new redesigned fan for these vehicles but i not remember why, maybe to increase fan speed at low rpm to aid with ac system not cooling off fast enough? on to my symptoms that lead me to having to warranty swap these out: 1 if i let the vehicle sit and run for more than say 30 minutes or so the fan clutch starts making crazy squeaking and rattling sounds at the tale end of that fan clutches life span and i usually replace it the next day. 2 sometimes i notice the clutch will not engage and my ac stops blowing cold and engine temps rises. 3 sometimes i notice the clutch stays fulled engaged and it sounds like a turbo prop is under the hood. i know i should have went with oem. seems like both the oem and aftermarket design of these are bad. just my two cents. awesome video as usual. i wish i had a mechanic like you in my area, then i wouldnt have to worry about getting shafted while dealing with incompetence.

  • @Guust_Flater
    @Guust_Flater 5 років тому +4

    Hey Eric, @0:48 you said "a default full on", but than the PWM signal from the PCM should be a continuous 12V, but it isn't !?
    I would think a safe mode would be that the clutch is default engaged and the PCM controls the OFF-time with a PWM signal, instead of ON-time. Then if somethings goes wrong (broken wires, broken PCM,......), the clutch would go to the default clutch-on state and the fan would run at full speed, protecting the car from overheating.
    Why didn't we see the orange testlamp full on, if the default was full on ?
    Nice video!! 👍😃

  • @WarrenBell-f1z
    @WarrenBell-f1z Рік тому

    My dude, first thank you, you have made my brain make the connection to the automobile electronic aspect, make sence ... IF THAT MASE SENCE!
    however, great explanation! Great job! And the
    " if I can do it, you can ! " love that shit ! .... I am a transmission shop tech, and I think you can make shit make sence to me on a different level than the men at my shop that work at ... I am subscribed and can not wait to binge watch everything you have put out!

  • @jaybeezy5429
    @jaybeezy5429 5 років тому

    Nice title. Whitty you know. Great stuff. I watch from palmbeach florida. No cold here though ever. Iguanas all over

  • @todaywithbk
    @todaywithbk 5 років тому +2

    Another fantastic diagnosis!!

  • @timshannon5474
    @timshannon5474 5 років тому +3

    That's a pretty nice clean 04 engine compartment

  • @robertthrem3382
    @robertthrem3382 4 роки тому +2

    Tell me if I unplug the fan should it be stuck in high. It's a new clutch fan the other had a bad bearing

  • @for2utube
    @for2utube 5 років тому

    One of those times when an oscilloscope really helps/a necessity. I had a flaky hall-effect sensor once but no o-scope and it was very difficult to diagnose. When hot, would cause engine to stall/no restart, for about 2 minutes.

  • @wyattoneable
    @wyattoneable 5 років тому +2

    Your a great teacher of automotive diagnostics and repair. (I had to fix my sentence) :)

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому

      Lol Wyatt, you should have "AMERICAN ENGLISH" (not a sponsor) sponsor you!
      You're officially the first person in history, to correct his own comment, (and even note it)! You win the Internet for today!! But, today only.
      I bet you made the internets KEYBOARD WARRIOR GRAMMAR PATROLS heads collectively explode!! We thought it was just an earthquake!! Hahahaha

    • @reecenewton3097
      @reecenewton3097 5 років тому

      @@roadkill5333 And yet, "you're" was missed!

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому

      Did I mention, KEYBOARD WARRIOR GRAMMAR PATROL??

    • @reecenewton3097
      @reecenewton3097 5 років тому

      @@roadkill5333 Always on patrol. Like a carpenter looking for a bad miter. A plumber looking for leaks.

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому

      And yet, the "comma" was missed!! Wat's theus wirld cumeng tu??

  • @GooniesNeverSayDie1980
    @GooniesNeverSayDie1980 5 років тому

    That Chevy Trailblazer sounds awesome to be 16yrs old, no loud high-pitch pushrod or rocker clack....

  • @chrislienau894
    @chrislienau894 5 років тому

    No dorman, dongers, brake clean or even worse, Mrs O! Is the world as we know it ending?

  • @johnv5211
    @johnv5211 Рік тому

    Had a problem with the connector for the fan clutch. Cleaned it up, zip tied it so it wouldnt move and it works.

  • @williamsmith716
    @williamsmith716 4 роки тому +1

    After you replace the Electro hydraulic fan clutch assembly you have to update the PCM with new software for it. Do the reprogram. You have to do the reprogram

    • @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
      @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 3 роки тому

      Exactly - I had two shops (one was the dealer) and NEITHER updated by PCM yet both put in a new fan clutch and both claimed the A/C was working fine. Nope.

  • @heavysnow8616
    @heavysnow8616 5 років тому

    Ignore the gas guage, along with the power windows, seats, ect. Focus on complaint or you will never get the “real work” read as making money work done. Eric, close it down early as it’s ice cream Friday. Take the family with you-enjoy the weekend and relax a bit.

  • @williamsmith716
    @williamsmith716 5 років тому

    When I was working for Chevrolet at the dealer level, we saw so many of these coming in and the customers were complaining that it was a transmission issue . It sounded like a jet airplane thought that because of the fan noise would increase with the speed of the car, like direct drive, but we knew we had to put a new electric mechanical fan clutch assembly on it and also reprogram the PCM for the new fan clutch assembly. I believe there was a TSB on this.

    • @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
      @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 4 роки тому

      I had a new fan clutch put it back in 2015 - and now it doesn't work again. Why do these fan clutches fail? thanks

    • @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
      @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 4 роки тому

      OK I reread my records and reading the Trailvoy forum - turns out if you do NOT get the ECM/PCM update for HVAC then the new fan clutch will just go bad again! The dealer notes even stated - first they did a diagnostic and state, "updates available but not sure if they will improve performance" and then five days later we get the new fan clutch - and just says it's a GM fan clutch (compared to the different fan clutch a local shop had put in a week before). So they never did the software update!! And now the fan clutch is bad again. I don't think it lasted that long. I just got fed up - wondering why the AC never worked. NOW I know why!

    • @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
      @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 4 роки тому

      So the service bulletin was cancelled - and so the technicians didn't update the HVAC even though that's what the service bulletin says to do!

    • @williamsmith716
      @williamsmith716 4 роки тому

      What I work for Chevrolet, all of us there at that certain dealer they replace those clutches did the update. We did that because we didn't want it to come back and I have to do it again because we didn't reprogram. It's a very simple thing to reprogram. They did not do it either because they're lazy or they're uninformed about the problem with the clutch

    • @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
      @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 4 роки тому

      @@williamsmith716 Glad you all did it! thanks for confirming that is why it failed again. Yes it's kind of an amazing detective story.

  • @tracycolorado
    @tracycolorado 5 років тому +2

    was the engine getting hot because of this problem , or just the money light was on . you the man . like the last part , if I can do it , you can do it , as he holds back the laughing ;- )

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому +1

      Oh man!! This is like asking "what makes dog food taste so good"?

  • @Gotham_City_collectibles
    @Gotham_City_collectibles 2 роки тому

    Great video. I have a 03 trailblazer no crank no start. Code say cam and crank shaft sensors and also throws a code for this. Can this cause the trailblazer not to start. Hope all is well stay safe

  • @fatjack840
    @fatjack840 3 роки тому +1

    Hi I got a 2003 blazer an I change the fan clutch every 6 months it goes out sometime my end side lights will flash 3 times when I'm in side sometime what u think. . Joe

  • @TheCowgirlNiamh
    @TheCowgirlNiamh 5 років тому +4

    Fan bloody tastic Eric! 👍😂😂😂

  • @montestu5502
    @montestu5502 5 років тому +3

    Chevrolet meeting: “Ok guys, I want you to think of how to make a cooling fan the most complicated system you can think of for the new Trailblazer. We need it to have electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic features. The more complicated, the better. Get to it!”

    • @ThisIsReMarkable
      @ThisIsReMarkable 5 років тому

      And it's said the Germans overcomplicate things! My 03 Jetta's cooling fan system is as follows- 1 large fan, 1 small fan, electric motor on each, ECM controlled. 🤷‍♂️

    • @Paul1958R
      @Paul1958R 5 років тому

      Some guy at the meeting stands up and says' lets do it the way Mercedes does'.

    • @roadkill5333
      @roadkill5333 5 років тому

      Isn't this the system that caused the "CHALLENGER" disaster?
      NASA sold this to GM, and they all laughed!!

    • @montestu5502
      @montestu5502 5 років тому

      Engineer says, “Can we add pneumatic valves to control the hydraulic fluid???” Boss says, “Now you’re thinking. However the compressed air for that should be produced by compressor driven off of the driveshaft, or the crankshaft. I’m open to anything more complicated though”.

  • @AntonioClaudioMichael
    @AntonioClaudioMichael 5 років тому

    Great find with the scope

  • @tom535
    @tom535 5 років тому

    Very good job Dr. Mr. Eric..

  • @jonathanhavel1036
    @jonathanhavel1036 5 років тому

    i Just wanna say howdy neighbor. and hello from Waverly NY!! Love the channel!! Keep up the good content!!

  • @freakyflow
    @freakyflow 5 років тому

    Have a 05' Blazer with all the crappy things to go wrong (you have a few videos on GM trucks i had to follow (ABS drain) few other things ...Im happy no electric fan ..but had to replace the chipped fan ( engine felt ruff ) still working on a parasitic draw ..Sometimes pulling the plug and buying new is better lol

  • @petemedina8446
    @petemedina8446 5 років тому +1

    This was a good video I just happen to know someone who owns one. So what is the actual problem here?

  • @davidc4988
    @davidc4988 5 років тому

    Eric the Harry Potter of all things eclectic and auto related !
    In short you know your stuff!

  • @billziegmond4943
    @billziegmond4943 5 років тому

    Another great SMA video.

  • @julioluna1344
    @julioluna1344 4 роки тому +1

    my 2002 trailblazer just got a new fan clutch 3 days ago, but it only kicks in when my temp gauge is at 3/4 then it comes back down, exactly just like the prior fanclutch, so im guessing is not the fan clutch at all, also , weird thing no trouble codes detected, but when it kicks in at 3/4 temp comes down fast, what could it be? what else can i test? new water pump, new fan clutch, clean radiator , the only thing I have not replaced is the coolant temp sensor

  • @dtgoodwin
    @dtgoodwin 5 років тому

    I had a 2002 that reached 200K miles before I sold it. The fan was definitely a weak link in an otherwise good vehicle. The theory was sound, but the clutches were a problem, especially in the first couple years of production.

  • @matthewsewap2715
    @matthewsewap2715 2 роки тому

    Hey ERIC O.
    This is a radiator fan related issue. The question is, I do not have any communication with the ECM on a 2004 Nissan Altima. Scan tool didn’t work. Was able to read data stream for the related part. Everything seems normal. Until I did my checks. When I disconnected the ECM relay. The radiator fan would go on automatically on its own. Key on.. but no power on ECM related components. I’m thinking is it a short? Ohh!! Aftermarket security/auto start has been added. Seen two open wires hanging from the obd2 connector from aftermarket splice. Help would be greatly appreciated 👍🏼