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You’re a NATURAL at teaching. You broke down the wiring diagram like an instructor but stayed cool , calm and collected. The whole video was great. Thanks
@@BigDog50001 hey, Big Homedawg! Make a patreon or something. I’m about to try this on my element and if this is what I needed then i will for sure shoot you some cash 😎
I have a 2005 Element and the a/c condenser fan stopped working and the car started to over heat while stuck in traffic with the a/c on even though the engine cooling fan was running. Coolant reserve tank was empty also. I was not aware that both fans came on when the a/c was on so I thought the engine cooling fan and or circuit was at fault. This morning I bought a new fan because I connected 12 volts to the fan and it did not come on. I also bought a new fan relay because there was no power to the fan on the harness side when the a/c was off thinking it was the engine cooling fan when in fact it was the a/c condenser fan. The relay didn't even match any relays in the fuse box under the hood which baffled me. After watching this great and very detailed video, I determined I bought the incorrect fan. I need the a/c condenser fan not tge engine cooling fan. Tonight I did some tests after watching this video and found there is power to that fan, but only when the a/c is on which tells me I do not need a relay. I tapped on the a/c condenser fan like you said, but with a pair of Snap-on pliers and after a few taps it started to work. I'm returning the relay not only because it's the incorrect type, but I do not need it. I switched both fan relays and did some testing and they both are working. I'm also taking back the engine cooling fan and exchanging it for the a/c condenser fan. Luckily I'm a retired motorcycle technician and machinist so I have tools and some experience with water cooled engines, but I just needed some guidance and the information in this video helped me solve my issue and I don't need to go watch another video. I just have to have the system pressure tested for leaks since my reserve tank was empty, but I do not have the tools for this so I will take it to a local shop I know of who's honest here in south Florida. Thanks again for a great video. 👍🧓😁
@@jordanindustrialcompaction8381 My pleasure. I'm glad and I thank you for taking the time to read my mini novel and I appreciate it along with your reply.
Looked at several of these vidios I found this one after doing the job.the other videos leave out a Lotta good tips like the wires on the bottom of the fan Loosening the bar on top. I ended up with a little damage on the radiator and struggling a lot with the wires below. This video by far is the best, I wished I had found it before I started. After putting the new fan in in it working the air conditioning still not blowing cold air .The next step will be recharging the system.
I watched your video two times and did everything you explained and did. Excellent video, turns out it was the AC condenser fan, I watched the end of the video for removal and installation and it worked perfectly. Your test light that you soldered the multimeter lead test prong, you should patent that because it’s an excellent idea, I cut the alligator clip on mine and made my own too and it helped me a lot.
Thank you so much this video helped me troubleshoot. My mom‘s car I had to change both fans and the radiator and the temperature sensor your explanation of the wiring diagram really helped.
You are excellent at this! From one teacher to another, you explain things with a great cadence, empty supportive visuals, and your reasoning is well described.Subscribed!
I had the opposite last week on my granddaughter's 03 CR-V. The radiator fan wasn't working. I swapped relays and no joy. Fortunately, I already had a replacement fan on-hand. Before I removed the fan, I unplugged it and connected the new one (laid on top of the engine, face up), and turned on the A/C. Yep, it worked. So, then it was simply removing the frame, unbolting and R & R. I too broke a lot of the plastic fasteners on the splash guard, but I have the big Harbor Freight 240-piece kit, so that comes in handy a lot. The bad part (nothing ever goes smoothly!) is that I broke the 10 mm bolt at the bottom of the frame. It was really rusted up and, even though I PB Blasted it and was extremely careful, it came about 1/4 out and then snapped. I was able to come up with a temporary fix, but I have to drill out and replace the bolt. Argh!
Thanks for the tips on the relays/fuses! Also, at 23:06, for the T-Bar, you can simply remove the bolts for that one side, and muscle the bar off the track to give you more space to pull the fan. Getting to the bottom 10mm bolt can tiresome. I show it on my CRV Alternator video on my channel at 5:46.
Just put in two new fans and a condenser in my 05 Honda Element EX and neither fan is working, hopefully tomorrow with the help of this video I can find out why.
PS: I smacked my fan with a long screw driver “just the tip” and it started working!!!I intend on changing the fan immediately but this let me borrow some time while waiting for the part. Thanks for the uh…tip 😂
Really appreciate the information and how it was presented. Subbed and liked and I'll pick up some clips from the link below. Can't wait to view more of these!
Great video, you are clear, concise and thorough in your explanations! Loved this so much that I know subscribe! Tough to find specific videos that are on the same car with similar issues. Anyways I had an idle issue with the IAC that I corrected and while doing the idle relearn with the ac on realized that the ac fan wasn't working. Found your video and ran through all the things you did to see if fan was bad. Neither fan come on when key is powered to run with or without car running needs to be at operating temp for the to work. Got test light and did all the tests that u did with same results (relays, fuses and ground all good) except for car no power coming to connector with car on and ac on. Would this be a break in the hot leg between the temp sensor and the connector or would I need to chase the entire wire back to the box. If I'm getting ground at connector then the black wire should back to box. Could bad temp sensor be causing interruption in power to fan connector? Any helpful info would be appreciated, never been a wiring guy but circuit seems pretty simple, figured I'd give it a try!
I replaced mine about 2 years ago but I found removing the splash shield completely made it easier. Question where’s the fuse for the oem fog lamps? I read somewhere that it’s inside the vehicle (fuse bix). Thanks 🙏
It can be confusing but for fog lights on these Elements, they typically install a wiring harness under the drivers side dash but it usually taps into the headlight power circuit in the under hood fuse box (fuse 45). There is usually also a small inline fuse (like 2A) and a relay for that fog lights that are installed near the wiring harness under the drivers side dash. These are usually zip tied (or otherwise pinned up) to the factory wiring harness under the drivers dash. Thanks for the comment!
@@BigDog50001 Thanks that’s what I had read but wanted to make sure. I am due for an change at Honda and will have them replace it. The same thing happened years ago and it was a fuse. I did look under the dash and there were quite a few zip ties.
I had to tap on the a/c fan speed dial to get the a/c to come on. I had no in side fan or compressor coming on. After a few taps it started working but the condenser fan is not coming on. Would the a/c fan speed have anything to do with the condenser fan not coming on?
Hi I have a 2008 CRV. When I turn on my AC the condenser fan not on, and I did the testing of the fuse and relay which it working. The load ( fan) is not working and when I tap the motor of the fan it move very slow and then stop. My main question is does the condenser fan Need to be working in order for the ac clutch to engage? Or just say when I press AC ON, can the ac compressor clutch engage without the need of the condenser fan to be on?
Compressor will engage without need for condenser fan as demonstrated in the video. However, your engine will run hot.Therefore, it is important you have the fan replaced as soon as possible.
My ac condenser fan wasn’t working . I checked and the 30 amp fan was blown . Got a new one and it worked. Next day the fuse was blown again? Do u think it’s the ac condenser fan or somewhere back up in the fuses? I reached down w car was off and tried to spin the ac Fan and it barely moved like the radiator fan that moves super freely .
Do you have a link for the wiring diagram? I have the same issue both fans do not work. I also have a vampire draw killing the battery overnight. Thanks
Hey, like you I hit my fan motor with a long screwdriver…. But it came on! Whirrring back to life! I still should replace it right? (I rewatched your video, and could determine what to do next.)
Good morning Dave. Question are the radiator fan motor and ac condenser fan motor are interchangeable, meaning are they the same part number? can I take a good ac condenser motor and swap it into the radiator fan assembly? Thanks
hello. what might be the problem, when both fans goes on and off at the same time very often when I turn on inside heating (ventilator/-s). AC is off. Thank you for any tip to check
hey man! amazing video. so on my 02 crv, when i tap on the fan it runs, but everytime i need to tap it for it to get running. so what can the issue be?
When i changed my rad, i removed the top mounts on the rad and the hood latch, was able to tilt the rad forward and slide both fans past the rad and down into their spots. Now i have to fivure out why the fans only work with ac on. Temp switch
There is also a fan resistor in the circuit that can cause the fan to not work if it goes bad. Also use a tool to make female spade terminals snug again if they have become loose!
Very nice job explaining the wiring diagram and how to troubleshoot with inexpensive tools. My problem is that the radiator fans doesn't kick on automatically. A had a mechanic hack a cable that I believe connects to the thermostat sensor. Basically jumping the contacts which causes the radiator fan to be always on. I don't like it but it works. Otherwise car engine starts to overheat. I confirmed the relays are working by swapping in and out. When removed, corresponding fan stops. Any thoughts on what the issue might be?
I have this issue with the AC condenser fan and a local mechanic did the same hack so the fan is always on which isn't ideal. He said the AC condenser fan or the condenser itself is missing ground and he didn't know the wiring harness enough to fix that, so he just jumped the relays to make sure it's always on. I'd love to know what the actual solution would be so I don't blow my AC fan motor from running it constantly.
So im understanding this correctly; both fans run off the same relay? If thats true, would that mean the relay is bad if both fans do not work? (I havent done an in-depth diagnostic on mine, but both fans do not run at all)
No, two different relays. Both fans should come on at the same time once the vehicle's coolant gets to roughly 200 degrees at the bottom of the radiator. Each fan has its own relay and power fuse on these Elements, so most likely it is not a relay or fuse problem if both fans are not coming on (unless both relays or both fuses went bad at the same time which does not happen very often). I would look for something that both fans have in common, like a blown Fuse #14 feeding the control side of the relays, a bad shared ground at G201, a bad radiator fan switch (for 2003-2006 models) or bad Engine Coolant Temp Sensor #2 (ECT2) (for 2007-2011 models). Also, it is always possible the fans work and the coolant is just not getting hot enough for them to come on (a quick way to check if fans actually work is to turn on AC and see if the fans come on). Good luck!
@@BigDog50001 Excellent!! Thank you for the info. I'll investigate the fuses and ground, get all that done first before I crawl underneath to check that temp switch (it is a 2003 model)
I have an 03 element and my ac fan comes on when I press the ac inside but that fan is on the driver's side. The cooling fan I'm guessing is reversed in the passenger side. Is it possible the wiring was switched somehow ?
I'm fairly sure with a/c turned on. Both fans run together. When the engine becomes hot, (without a/c on) just a single fan will run. 196 -200 degrees he did mention that
In my daughter's 2006 Element, the fan isn't kicking on but the whole engine pulsates like and almost seems to stall. Would a bad fan cause that surging as well? Additionally, while sitting idle, the car overheated. AC seems to work only when the car is being driven, so I assume that is due to the fan not kicking on, but would that cause the overheating while stationary? We added some coolant (which I overfilled because you can't see how much coolant is in the reservoir until it is too full) and the engine temp came down to normal and stayed there while driving. Seemed to tick back up a bit when I let it sit and run while looking at the fans. The coolant in the radiator looks ok, no pollution from oil so I think the head gaskets are ok. Just trying to make sure I am tackling the right problem on this.
Overheating a Honda engine is usually bad news, they don't like it. There are several things that could be happening. I would definitely check the the coolant level (which you did) and look for any coolant leaks and address those if found. A common issue for overheating and poor A/C at idle is a fan problem, but the A/C problem could be a separate issue. Both fans should come on together on that Element, if only one fan is running then there is an issue with the fan that doesn't come on. On 2006 Elements, four cylinder models only have one fan speed (high) but the 6 cylinder engines have low and high speeds. Both systems are controlled by engine computer but the 6 cylinders also have a fan control relay that allows the 2 speeds, if both speeds are not working that can cause issues. There are two Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensors on 2006 Elements, so the engine is fully in control of when they come on (and what speed if a V6). The engine computer uses both sensors sensors to control the fans, but ECT1 typically carries more weight on most Hondas. If either ECT is reporting wrong temperature, that can effect when the fans come on and can also effect engine performance at certain times due to incorrect air/fuel ratio. A bad thermostat can also cause cooling issues but don't overlook simple things like a bad radiator cap too. Hopefully the engine and head gasket were not damaged when it overheated.
@@BigDog50001 - Thanks for the info. It is a 4 cylinder model. Initially, the condenser fan (passenger side) was not coming on. Tested the relay and that the fan was getting power. It was. I drove it for a while to see if, without running the AC whether it would heat up. However, the weather here in Georgia is very cool and rainy today so it took a while to get it to even get the temperature guage to get to the halfway point. After just sitting in the driveway and letting it idle for a while it finally started up get too hot (the temperature guage was past the halfway point) but the cooling fan (driver's side) wasn't kicking on either. I tested that and did the relay shuffle for good measure. I finally did the taping on the motors of both fans and they kicked on. The engine cooled and the AC blew cold air. Would that happen if the ECT was at fault?
@@BigDog50001 with regard to the overheating, we were parked when it happened and I don't think that it was on for very long after the temp spiked. Hopefully, we get lucky there. So far, I don't see the telltale signs of a cracked head gasket - discolored oil or coolant, or smoke pouring from the exhaust, but it's only been a day and it hasn't been driven much since it did that.
Did not have test light with me nor my power probe either originally was replacing radiator due to failure but upon refilling coolant fan did not switch on at temp. I believe condenser fan is bad and coolant switch too.
@HotRod-wv4vm That is an option. I usually don't go that route due to cost. Plus I like getting the entire assemby so I don't and have to deal with possibly breaking plastic pieces off of the old one. Old plastic in the desert doesn't age well.
My a/c fan is newer, but I notice my radiator fan only comes on with the a/c. I saw my fan switch was unplugged so I reconnected the wires should do the trick.
Both fans turn on when AC is engaged, but neither fan turns on when the engine is hot and the heater is engaged with full fan. Does that mean the thermostat is bad?
That fan has a separate sensor , so that sensor could be bad. It's the engine coolant temp sensor it's in the bottom edge of the radiator. Jack it up change it from underneath. You do need to drain the coolant to swap it
Either the system is operating properly and the vehicle is not getting warm enough for the fans to come on or there is a problem that will need some troubleshooting (turning on AC and looking to see if fans also turned on is a quick check to see if the fans actually work). Sometimes it will not overheat if the weather is still cool. If there is a problem then bad thermostats, fans, ECT sensors, wiring, relays or cooling fan switches etc, are all possibilities. Hard to say which without seeing it. FYI, early models use a cooling fan switch located at the bottom of radiator to turn on fans (at around 200 degrees) and later models (around 2007) replaced that switch with a second engine coolant temp sensor (ECT2) - which means engine computer is fully in control of cooling fans on models with ECT2 sensors.
@@BigDog50001 thank you for an in depth response and for things to troubleshoot. I’m convinced right now that the cooling fan is shot because the a/c one comes on immediately once a/c is turned on. Relays are good and I have power to non operating fan. I will replace thermostat on bottom of radiator area to be on the safe side
it is a long search for a reason. The tester checked that 12 volts comes to the fan connector, if there is power there, then the wiring with fuses and relays is ok. The fan motor itself is even easier to check, supply power to it from the battery.
I am just confused cos the video headline is for RADIATOR FAN MOTOR REPLACEMENT but you are talking and showing on the wiring diagram about CONDENSER FAN MOTOR !!! Another important mistake !!! You show the two relays next each other but left relay IS NOT FOR ANY FAN but it is for AC compressor clutch !!!
You are right, I was watching this and thinking, he is wrong or I'm crazy. The title is wrong and the relays information is wrong. Glad I watched the other videos first.
if clutch is working it will engage once it gets power from the compressor clutch relay which will then energize both fans to spin. Hence, if you ac clutch is not engaging, your ac compressor is likely dead or the bearings in them are shot.
How to Drain, Fill and Bleed Coolant/Anti-Freeze on a Honda Element: ua-cam.com/video/oUHkaWQlPQw/v-deo.html Honda Relay Testing: ua-cam.com/video/1Q579BlbHxM/v-deo.html Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! ua-cam.com/users/BigDog50001 twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).
adding on a newly found issue - IF you had done the radiator replacement on your own,.. and you did not replace that plug /. switch that goes into the lower side of that new radiator WITH A OEM PART - your screwed! because the replacement plug // switch will not work unless its an actual OEM part !!! at 1;50 on this video he touches close to the issue but does not show you the side of the radiator that had this plug / switch im talking about... FYI
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You’re a NATURAL at teaching. You broke down the wiring diagram like an instructor but stayed cool , calm and collected. The whole video was great. Thanks
Thank you, I appreciate the comment!
@@BigDog50001 hey, Big Homedawg! Make a patreon or something. I’m about to try this on my element and if this is what I needed then i will for sure shoot you some cash 😎
The diagram lecture was very informative. This stuff is important to understand.
Totally agree, this saved me so much trouble researching and understanding how to diagnose
Amen Brother! 😅
I have a 2005 Element and the a/c condenser fan stopped working and the car started to over heat while stuck in traffic with the a/c on even though the engine cooling fan was running. Coolant reserve tank was empty also. I was not aware that both fans came on when the a/c was on so I thought the engine cooling fan and or circuit was at fault. This morning I bought a new fan because I connected 12 volts to the fan and it did not come on. I also bought a new fan relay because there was no power to the fan on the harness side when the a/c was off thinking it was the engine cooling fan when in fact it was the a/c condenser fan. The relay didn't even match any relays in the fuse box under the hood which baffled me. After watching this great and very detailed video, I determined I bought the incorrect fan. I need the a/c condenser fan not tge engine cooling fan. Tonight I did some tests after watching this video and found there is power to that fan, but only when the a/c is on which tells me I do not need a relay. I tapped on the a/c condenser fan like you said, but with a pair of Snap-on pliers and after a few taps it started to work. I'm returning the relay not only because it's the incorrect type, but I do not need it. I switched both fan relays and did some testing and they both are working. I'm also taking back the engine cooling fan and exchanging it for the a/c condenser fan. Luckily I'm a retired motorcycle technician and machinist so I have tools and some experience with water cooled engines, but I just needed some guidance and the information in this video helped me solve my issue and I don't need to go watch another video. I just have to have the system pressure tested for leaks since my reserve tank was empty, but I do not have the tools for this so I will take it to a local shop I know of who's honest here in south Florida.
Thanks again for a great video. 👍🧓😁
Thanks for writing that down cliff. Helpful to know what you went thru
@@jordanindustrialcompaction8381 My pleasure. I'm glad and I thank you for taking the time to read my mini novel and I appreciate it along with your reply.
Amazing ... loved how you took the time to show other ways to diagnose if it wasn't the motor. Thanks for sharing this.
Looked at several of these vidios I found this one after doing the job.the other videos leave out a Lotta good tips like the wires on the bottom of the fan Loosening
the bar on top. I ended up with a little damage on the radiator and struggling a lot with the wires below. This video by far is the best, I wished I had found it before I started. After putting the new fan in in it working the air conditioning still not blowing cold air .The next step will be recharging the system.
Thanks for the input!
I watched your video two times and did everything you explained and did. Excellent video, turns out it was the AC condenser fan, I watched the end of the video for removal and installation and it worked perfectly. Your test light that you soldered the multimeter lead test prong, you should patent that because it’s an excellent idea, I cut the alligator clip on mine and made my own too and it helped me a lot.
Thank you so much this video helped me troubleshoot. My mom‘s car I had to change both fans and the radiator and the temperature sensor your explanation of the wiring diagram really helped.
Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!
You are excellent at this! From one teacher to another, you explain things with a great cadence, empty supportive visuals, and your reasoning is well described.Subscribed!
Great job on the video! Lots of great info explained in a easy to follow way! Thank you
Thank you very much for the explanation, greetings from Kyrgyzstan
Great video and explanation as always! Keep the great content coming Dave! And love that test light hack.
Thanks Mike, look forward to more of your videos too!
Great video, amazing diagnostic process! Thank you.
👍
HUGE help in diagnosing my problem. Thank you!
I had the opposite last week on my granddaughter's 03 CR-V. The radiator fan wasn't working. I swapped relays and no joy. Fortunately, I already had a replacement fan on-hand. Before I removed the fan, I unplugged it and connected the new one (laid on top of the engine, face up), and turned on the A/C. Yep, it worked. So, then it was simply removing the frame, unbolting and R & R. I too broke a lot of the plastic fasteners on the splash guard, but I have the big Harbor Freight 240-piece kit, so that comes in handy a lot. The bad part (nothing ever goes smoothly!) is that I broke the 10 mm bolt at the bottom of the frame. It was really rusted up and, even though I PB Blasted it and was extremely careful, it came about 1/4 out and then snapped. I was able to come up with a temporary fix, but I have to drill out and replace the bolt. Argh!
FANTASTIC VIDEO!!
So much info and such a great attitude. Knowledge, experience, perseverance and LOADS of patience.
Great presentation and diagnosis!
Thanks for the tips on the relays/fuses!
Also, at 23:06, for the T-Bar, you can simply remove the bolts for that one side, and muscle the bar off the track to give you more space to pull the fan. Getting to the bottom 10mm bolt can tiresome. I show it on my CRV Alternator video on my channel at 5:46.
Just put in two new fans and a condenser in my 05 Honda Element EX and neither fan is working, hopefully tomorrow with the help of this video I can find out why.
As always very thorough and clear THANKS BIG DOG
Thanks 👍!
Dave all of your videos are helpful and I always stay to the end. Stay safe and well. Artie 🇺🇸😊
I appreciate the support Artie!
Love the video man!! Great way to show how it all works and very thorough… 🎉
I learned a lot from this video but mainly sometimes all you need is “just the tip!”
PS: I smacked my fan with a long screw driver “just the tip” and it started working!!!I intend on changing the fan immediately but this let me borrow some time while waiting for the part. Thanks for the uh…tip 😂
Great video, I learn something toady!
Thanks 👍!
My car fan still running but when it down will be a piece of cake for me. Thanks!
👍
It is awesome video. Thank you for uploading this video. Very clear explanation
Really appreciate the information and how it was presented. Subbed and liked and I'll pick up some clips from the link below. Can't wait to view more of these!
Great video .Regards from NY
I appreciate the comment, thank you!
good logic testing thanks for sharing.
You bet!
Wow great explanation, thank you
Great video, you are clear, concise and thorough in your explanations! Loved this so much that I know subscribe! Tough to find specific videos that are on the same car with similar issues. Anyways I had an idle issue with the IAC that I corrected and while doing the idle relearn with the ac on realized that the ac fan wasn't working. Found your video and ran through all the things you did to see if fan was bad. Neither fan come on when key is powered to run with or without car running needs to be at operating temp for the to work. Got test light and did all the tests that u did with same results (relays, fuses and ground all good) except for car no power coming to connector with car on and ac on. Would this be a break in the hot leg between the temp sensor and the connector or would I need to chase the entire wire back to the box. If I'm getting ground at connector then the black wire should back to box. Could bad temp sensor be causing interruption in power to fan connector? Any helpful info would be appreciated, never been a wiring guy but circuit seems pretty simple, figured I'd give it a try!
Your awesome bro, thank you so much! Aloha to you and your family!
Real easy to follow thank you Sir. KALIFORNIA listening.
Thanks 👍!
Life saver video
I replaced mine about 2 years ago but I found removing the splash shield completely made it easier.
Question where’s the fuse for the oem fog lamps? I read somewhere that it’s inside the vehicle (fuse bix).
Thanks 🙏
It can be confusing but for fog lights on these Elements, they typically install a wiring harness under the drivers side dash but it usually taps into the headlight power circuit in the under hood fuse box (fuse 45). There is usually also a small inline fuse (like 2A) and a relay for that fog lights that are installed near the wiring harness under the drivers side dash. These are usually zip tied (or otherwise pinned up) to the factory wiring harness under the drivers dash. Thanks for the comment!
@@BigDog50001 Thanks that’s what I had read but wanted to make sure. I am due for an change at Honda and will have them replace it. The same thing happened years ago and it was a fuse. I did look under the dash and there were quite a few zip ties.
Oil change
Big Dog50001 Automotive, El Mejor video!!!! The Best video on UA-cam 🔥 Gracias!!!!!! Good Job
Excellent. Thank you
Thanks for your help
I had to tap on the a/c fan speed dial to get the a/c to come on. I had no in side fan or compressor coming on. After a few taps it started working but the condenser fan is not coming on. Would the a/c fan speed have anything to do with the condenser fan not coming on?
I knew a follow up video was coming when you change the fluid on this. Very curious to see what this is going to be.
I recorded this follow up video right after but I never know if a video will actually make it to UA-cam until I go and edit it!
Hi I have a 2008 CRV. When I turn on my AC the condenser fan not on, and I did the testing of the fuse and relay which it working.
The load ( fan) is not working and when I tap the motor of the fan it move very slow and then stop. My main question is does the condenser fan Need to be working in order for the ac clutch to engage? Or just say when I press AC ON, can the ac compressor clutch engage without the need of the condenser fan to be on?
Compressor will engage without need for condenser fan as demonstrated in the video. However, your engine will run hot.Therefore, it is important you have the fan replaced as soon as possible.
My ac condenser fan wasn’t working . I checked and the 30 amp fan was blown . Got a new one and it worked. Next day the fuse was blown again? Do u think it’s the ac condenser fan or somewhere back up in the fuses? I reached down w car was off and tried to spin the ac Fan and it barely moved like the radiator fan that moves super freely .
Do you have a link for the wiring diagram? I have the same issue both fans do not work. I also have a vampire draw killing the battery overnight. Thanks
Hey, like you I hit my fan motor with a long screwdriver…. But it came on! Whirrring back to life!
I still should replace it right? (I rewatched your video, and could determine what to do next.)
Big Dog as usual very detailed thanks for sharing
Thanks for the comment 👍!
Big Dog, Can I use a multimeter instead of the test light? Plug the red and black needles in the plug and see if there is a voltage?
I have the same car. (05 element) my fans only work when the AC is on. When the AC is off they dont spin. The car does not over heat. Any ideas?
Good morning Dave. Question are the radiator fan motor and ac condenser fan motor are interchangeable, meaning are they the same part number? can I take a good ac condenser motor and swap it into the radiator fan assembly? Thanks
hello. what might be the problem, when both fans goes on and off at the same time very often when I turn on inside heating (ventilator/-s). AC is off. Thank you for any tip to check
Anyway to go about this tests with a multimeter? I have same issue with 2007 honda civic.
When you pull the overflow tank and hose do you need a catchment system? Does anything spill out? And how do you pull the hose, just slip it off?
Installed new condenser cooling fan , are both fans suppose to turn on ? Yea the air conditioner button is off .
Great video. Where are the grounds located at?
hey man! amazing video. so on my 02 crv, when i tap on the fan it runs, but everytime i need to tap it for it to get running. so what can the issue be?
When i changed my rad, i removed the top mounts on the rad and the hood latch, was able to tilt the rad forward and slide both fans past the rad and down into their spots. Now i have to fivure out why the fans only work with ac on. Temp switch
I've inspected all my fuses, relays, and the fan, and everything is functioning properly. What else would you recommend I try?
(2006 Honda Accord)
There is also a fan resistor in the circuit that can cause the fan to not work if it goes bad. Also use a tool to make female spade terminals snug again if they have become loose!
Dentil tool works good just disconnect battery on neg terminal so you don't short out your metal tool.
really helped thanks
do you have any videos of you putting power to the fan?
Very nice job explaining the wiring diagram and how to troubleshoot with inexpensive tools. My problem is that the radiator fans doesn't kick on automatically. A had a mechanic hack a cable that I believe connects to the thermostat sensor. Basically jumping the contacts which causes the radiator fan to be always on. I don't like it but it works. Otherwise car engine starts to overheat. I confirmed the relays are working by swapping in and out. When removed, corresponding fan stops. Any thoughts on what the issue might be?
I have this issue with the AC condenser fan and a local mechanic did the same hack so the fan is always on which isn't ideal. He said the AC condenser fan or the condenser itself is missing ground and he didn't know the wiring harness enough to fix that, so he just jumped the relays to make sure it's always on. I'd love to know what the actual solution would be so I don't blow my AC fan motor from running it constantly.
I think my condenser fan motor is broken, will test and replace as needed, but curious what harm does it do not working? My AC works fine
It can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to headgasket failure and other issues.
Now are the fans suppose to turn on while you have the heat on
So im understanding this correctly; both fans run off the same relay?
If thats true, would that mean the relay is bad if both fans do not work? (I havent done an in-depth diagnostic on mine, but both fans do not run at all)
No, two different relays. Both fans should come on at the same time once the vehicle's coolant gets to roughly 200 degrees at the bottom of the radiator. Each fan has its own relay and power fuse on these Elements, so most likely it is not a relay or fuse problem if both fans are not coming on (unless both relays or both fuses went bad at the same time which does not happen very often). I would look for something that both fans have in common, like a blown Fuse #14 feeding the control side of the relays, a bad shared ground at G201, a bad radiator fan switch (for 2003-2006 models) or bad Engine Coolant Temp Sensor #2 (ECT2) (for 2007-2011 models). Also, it is always possible the fans work and the coolant is just not getting hot enough for them to come on (a quick way to check if fans actually work is to turn on AC and see if the fans come on). Good luck!
@@BigDog50001 Excellent!! Thank you for the info. I'll investigate the fuses and ground, get all that done first before I crawl underneath to check that temp switch (it is a 2003 model)
Amazing thank you so much!!
I have an 03 element and my ac fan comes on when I press the ac inside but that fan is on the driver's side. The cooling fan I'm guessing is reversed in the passenger side. Is it possible the wiring was switched somehow ?
I'm fairly sure with a/c turned on. Both fans run together. When the engine becomes hot, (without a/c on) just a single fan will run. 196 -200 degrees he did mention that
In my daughter's 2006 Element, the fan isn't kicking on but the whole engine pulsates like and almost seems to stall. Would a bad fan cause that surging as well? Additionally, while sitting idle, the car overheated. AC seems to work only when the car is being driven, so I assume that is due to the fan not kicking on, but would that cause the overheating while stationary? We added some coolant (which I overfilled because you can't see how much coolant is in the reservoir until it is too full) and the engine temp came down to normal and stayed there while driving. Seemed to tick back up a bit when I let it sit and run while looking at the fans. The coolant in the radiator looks ok, no pollution from oil so I think the head gaskets are ok. Just trying to make sure I am tackling the right problem on this.
Overheating a Honda engine is usually bad news, they don't like it. There are several things that could be happening. I would definitely check the the coolant level (which you did) and look for any coolant leaks and address those if found. A common issue for overheating and poor A/C at idle is a fan problem, but the A/C problem could be a separate issue. Both fans should come on together on that Element, if only one fan is running then there is an issue with the fan that doesn't come on. On 2006 Elements, four cylinder models only have one fan speed (high) but the 6 cylinder engines have low and high speeds. Both systems are controlled by engine computer but the 6 cylinders also have a fan control relay that allows the 2 speeds, if both speeds are not working that can cause issues.
There are two Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensors on 2006 Elements, so the engine is fully in control of when they come on (and what speed if a V6). The engine computer uses both sensors sensors to control the fans, but ECT1 typically carries more weight on most Hondas. If either ECT is reporting wrong temperature, that can effect when the fans come on and can also effect engine performance at certain times due to incorrect air/fuel ratio. A bad thermostat can also cause cooling issues but don't overlook simple things like a bad radiator cap too. Hopefully the engine and head gasket were not damaged when it overheated.
@@BigDog50001 - Thanks for the info. It is a 4 cylinder model. Initially, the condenser fan (passenger side) was not coming on. Tested the relay and that the fan was getting power. It was. I drove it for a while to see if, without running the AC whether it would heat up. However, the weather here in Georgia is very cool and rainy today so it took a while to get it to even get the temperature guage to get to the halfway point. After just sitting in the driveway and letting it idle for a while it finally started up get too hot (the temperature guage was past the halfway point) but the cooling fan (driver's side) wasn't kicking on either. I tested that and did the relay shuffle for good measure. I finally did the taping on the motors of both fans and they kicked on. The engine cooled and the AC blew cold air. Would that happen if the ECT was at fault?
@@BigDog50001 with regard to the overheating, we were parked when it happened and I don't think that it was on for very long after the temp spiked. Hopefully, we get lucky there. So far, I don't see the telltale signs of a cracked head gasket - discolored oil or coolant, or smoke pouring from the exhaust, but it's only been a day and it hasn't been driven much since it did that.
Did not have test light with me nor my power probe either originally was replacing radiator due to failure but upon refilling coolant fan did not switch on at temp. I believe condenser fan is bad and coolant switch too.
Question what brand ac condenser fan did you buy?
@@HotRod-wv4vm TYC is what I typically use for aftermarket fans.
@@BigDog50001 what about getting the Denso from Honda and reusing the shroud?
@HotRod-wv4vm That is an option. I usually don't go that route due to cost. Plus I like getting the entire assemby so I don't and have to deal with possibly breaking plastic pieces off of the old one. Old plastic in the desert doesn't age well.
Would a bad condenser fan stop the ac compressor from running?!
Is there a way to test the fan switch on the radiator both of my fans wrk but car over heats
My a/c fan is newer, but I notice my radiator fan only comes on with the a/c. I saw my fan switch was unplugged so I reconnected the wires should do the trick.
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Both fans turn on when AC is engaged, but neither fan turns on when the engine is hot and the heater is engaged with full fan. Does that mean the thermostat is bad?
Grasias y saludos
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So I had the same thing happening but I elected to pull the fuse and when I did the engine reved up
When I plugged fuse back in fan started but it refused to do so after car was shut off and restarted
If both fans spin with the ac on, why doesn't the radiator cooling fan come on after using heat during traffic jam?
That fan has a separate sensor , so that sensor could be bad. It's the engine coolant temp sensor it's in the bottom edge of the radiator. Jack it up change it from underneath. You do need to drain the coolant to swap it
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Also my cooling fan won't run without running ac so I think my coolant temp switch is bad swapped relays no change
I mean 20 years it's due to go bad and the fuse test showed there was a load trying to be pulled by condenser fan as when pulled it reved up
My elements cooling fan is not coming on yet car isn’t over heating ?
Either the system is operating properly and the vehicle is not getting warm enough for the fans to come on or there is a problem that will need some troubleshooting (turning on AC and looking to see if fans also turned on is a quick check to see if the fans actually work). Sometimes it will not overheat if the weather is still cool.
If there is a problem then bad thermostats, fans, ECT sensors, wiring, relays or cooling fan switches etc, are all possibilities. Hard to say which without seeing it.
FYI, early models use a cooling fan switch located at the bottom of radiator to turn on fans (at around 200 degrees) and later models (around 2007) replaced that switch with a second engine coolant temp sensor (ECT2) - which means engine computer is fully in control of cooling fans on models with ECT2 sensors.
@@BigDog50001 thank you for an in depth response and for things to troubleshoot. I’m convinced right now that the cooling fan is shot because the a/c one comes on immediately once a/c is turned on. Relays are good and I have power to non operating fan. I will replace thermostat on bottom of radiator area to be on the safe side
it is a long search for a reason. The tester checked that 12 volts comes to the fan connector, if there is power there, then the wiring with fuses and relays is ok. The fan motor itself is even easier to check, supply power to it from the battery.
I like to use a Power Probe for power when testing the motor itself, thanks for the input!
I am just confused cos the video headline is for RADIATOR FAN MOTOR REPLACEMENT but you are talking and showing on the wiring diagram about CONDENSER FAN MOTOR !!!
Another important mistake !!! You show the two relays next each other but left relay IS NOT FOR ANY FAN but it is for AC compressor clutch !!!
You are right, I was watching this and thinking, he is wrong or I'm crazy. The title is wrong and the relays information is wrong. Glad I watched the other videos first.
What if the ac fan doesn't work, will that stop the ac clutch from engaging
if clutch is working it will engage once it gets power from the compressor clutch relay which will then energize both fans to spin. Hence, if you ac clutch is not engaging, your ac compressor is likely dead or the bearings in them are shot.
The old just the tip trick.
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How to Drain, Fill and Bleed Coolant/Anti-Freeze on a Honda Element: ua-cam.com/video/oUHkaWQlPQw/v-deo.html
Honda Relay Testing: ua-cam.com/video/1Q579BlbHxM/v-deo.html
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I had to have both fans replaced today. $500.
adding on a newly found issue - IF you had done the radiator replacement on your own,.. and you did not replace that plug /. switch that goes into the lower side of that new radiator WITH A OEM PART - your screwed! because the replacement plug // switch will not work unless its an actual OEM part !!! at 1;50 on this video he touches close to the issue but does not show you the side of the radiator that had this plug / switch im talking about... FYI
Great job! Thank you
great indepth info.