The cooling fan, or the engine cooling fan, is part of the cooling system in Volvo, which has the role of dissipating heat from the radiator through high-speed airflow. The cooling fan is situated between the engine and the radiator, and it often activates when the natural airflow is slow or nonexistent due to the low speed or the stationary state of the Volvo. Working in tandem with the engine temperature sensor and the engine control unit (ECU), the cooling fan starts when additional airflow is required to conduct heat discharge.
A malfunction in the cooling fan proves to be fatal for the Volvo. If the engine does not discharge the heat, it overheats, causing damage to the pistons, burning engine oil, and ultimately seizing up. Thus, identifying the cooling fan malfunction and its repair is crucial for the Volvo engine; as an owner, you should understand how to identify the cooling system malfunction. Bavarium Autoworks in Mountain View, California, is the premier and expert auto repair and service shop for European cars. According to our expert technicians, the following are some tips to identify the cooling fan module failure in your Volvo.
Causes and Repairs For Cooling Fan Failures
The cooling fan malfunctions due to various reasons, including electronic component failure, moisture intrusion, vibration and stress, wiring harness issues, software glitches, and overheating. The repair for these issues primarily involves module replacement, which begins with diagnosis. A Volvo-specific diagnostic scanner identifies whether the problem is with the module or with the surrounding system. If the module is faulty, it is replaced with a new OEM-made one. However, if the surroundings are at fault, then repairs like fan assembly replacement, wiring repair, or software update are done. When in doubt, watch out for:
An Overheating Engine
The engine overheating is the most obvious sign of cooling fan failure. Due to incomplete or failed heat discharge, the engine and its surroundings become extremely hot. The engine temperature gauge rises above the safe limit. Steam or smoke is also seen coming out from the engine bay, as the overheated engine burns the vehicle fluids like coolant and engine oil. Also, overheating causes thermal expansion of the coolants, which creates excessive pressure on the coolant lines and causes coolant leaks.
No Running Fan Sound
The cooling fan often keeps running for a short time after parking to cool the engine. Similarly, during idling and driving in warm weather, it also keeps running to dissipate engine heat. If you are not hearing the engine sound during these instances, then the cooling fan has malfunctioned.
Erratic Fan Running
If the fan is running erratically, then it indicates a malfunction. If the fan runs at full speed constantly, even at low or moderate temperatures, it may malfunction and get stuck in ‘on mode’. Here, the fan misinterprets the temperature signals due to an electronic failure. If the fan turns on and off rapidly and fails to maintain a consistent speed, it is also a sign of a cooling fan malfunction. Additionally, if the fan is operating with an increased amount of noise, then it is an early indicator of a cooling fan malfunction.
Irregular AC System Behaviors
The air conditioning system also depends upon the cooling fan for airflow. The condenser, which removes heat from the refrigerant in the AC unit, is cooled by the cooling fan. If the cooling fan is damaged, the air conditioning system will also perform irregularly. If the AC blows cold air while driving but fails to do so during traffic, idling, or at slow speeds, the fan is not functioning properly.
Dashboard Warning Light
The check engine light on the dashboard is the primary indicator of a malfunctioning cooling fan. The warning light indicates that the engine is overheating or that the cooling fan circuit is malfunctioning. The issue is registered as P0480, which means a cooling fan or control circuit malfunction.
Cooling Fan Module Service at Bavarium Autoworks in Mountain View
If you notice any malfunctioning signs in your 
Volvo car in the Mountain View area, visit our auto service shop, Bavarium Autoworks, for quality, precise repair. We are committed to providing the best auto service for European cars. Our shop employs ASE-certified mechanics with decades of experience working on European cars, including Volvos. We also have factory-grade tools and scanners for quality auto service. Operating at 2232 Old Middlefield Way, we serve European car owners in Mountain View and surrounding cities, including Cupertino, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Saratoga.