Chevy Silverado is famous for its AC problems due to bad fan clutch. A fan clutch usually helps operate the cooling fans present near the radiators. The old models of Silverado used mechanical fan clutch to drive the cooling fans.
Will a bad fan clutch cause AC problems in Chevy Silverado? Bad fan clutch in Chevy Silverado cause AC issue because compressors need normal airflow to re-cool the refrigerants for efficient working. Due to decreased silicone levels and faulty thermostatic spring, the radiator cooling fan will not perform its function. The air will not properly move through the compressors, and as a result, its AC will not work correctly.
The fan clutch is the central part that is responsible for spinning the radiator fan. If you feel any problem or uneven noise, you should check leakage and temperature in the engine compartment to prevent a hazardous situation.
How can a bad fan clutch cause AC issues in Chevy Silverado?
Overheating in the engine occurs due to excessive heat production, decreasing the working of AC.
The models are now equipped with an automatic electronic fan to enhance the efficiency of AC. Generally, it decreases the working of the air conditioner because condensers always need proper airflow to cool the refrigerants flowing through them.
When air movement is restricted in that area due to a faulty fan clutch, then Air conditioner will not work, and it will warm up your vehicle.
Moreover, when there is no proper airflow in the condenser, the pressure builds up at a higher level, and it will cause a frequent shutdown.
Its failure also causes the cooling fan’s loosening in the engine compartment, which will produce a vibrating sound when you start up your vehicle.
Radiator fans should run when the compressors are engaged to cool and maintain the coolant system temperature.
How does a pickup truck fan clutch work?
These are the equipment that is present in almost every vehicle to operate the radiator fan. They contain silicon fluid in them; that’s why they are also known as fluid coupling devices.
The valve is also present there, which controls the opening and closing of a thermostatic spring and regulates silicone fluid flow between them.
The opening of this valve helps to engage the fan and allows the fluid to fill in the working area to increase the friction between drive plates for their appropriate spinning.
They help airflow by using a water pump shaft to power the fan blade. When the water pump is cooler than the average temperature, then it will disengage the fan clutch.
After disengagement, it will work at a slow speed of about 10% to 20%. It is the automatic device that people use in the vehicle cooling system.
It will also disengage the cooling fan when the temperature in the engine compartment is average. When you are hauling heavyweight or going to hilly or mountainy areas, the temperature will automatically rise.
This increase in hot temperature fully engages the radiator cooling fan, working at more speed. Good quality products offer a better and continuous cooling of the air conditioner without any issue.
As the temperature in the engine becomes high, the air flowing through the fan also becomes hotter and signals the thermostat spring to unwind, open the valve.
After this, silicone fluid moves towards the chamber and engages the clutch to spin the cooler.
Heavy-duty thermal fan clutches are always because they will spin the fans at 80% to 90% of the water speed pump when they are fully engaged and allow more air to pass through them for better cooling.
You should take care don’t exchange the non-thermal type with the thermal one because you cannot replace the electronic clutch with another electronic one.
Common AC Issues in Chevy Silverado due to bad fan clutch
When the radiator cooling fan stops working, proper air will not flow through them, and then it will cause overheating in the engine area.
It will also change the internal temperature and makes the interior hotter. This is because the air will not pass through the condenser, and then the refrigerants will not cool.
When the refrigerants’ temperature remains hot, it will shut off your AC after some time, and it will not work efficiently.
The other issue is that AC will not adequately cool the interior, and warm air coming from it can make the environment hotter during the challenging summer season.
When the engine compartment and interior are hotter than the problem of idling also comes, which can cause a problem during the staring of the vehicle.
The increase in heat also causes an increase in power supply, less acceleration, and more fuel consumption. In addition, the hot air will also produce in it because of the inability of the compressor to re-cool the refrigerants.
Is it safe to drive Chevy Silverado with a bad fan clutch?
It is not safe to drive with a faulty fan clutch because it will cause in your vehicle and increase the risk of damage.
The excessive heat production in the engine compartment can cause engine failure, and it is costly to replace the fan clutch.
Due to improper working of radiator fan, the coolant will not reach the engine and cause excessive heat production in them, which can also cause an idling issue.
Moreover, the heat will also cause an explosion and puts your life at risk. Therefore, the radiator fans are present in the engine compartment bound with unique belts and mounts.
Overheating will also loosen and damage these mounts; when damaged, it will produce uneven sound.
The production of uneven sound due to fans’ misplacement disturbs the driver’s attention and causes uncomfortable situations during driving.
When AC is not running correctly, it will also cause fluid leakage in the inner side, which can cause damage.
The leakage is expected in the center side, and it is in minimal amount some time people ignores it, and it will cause a big problem.
Moreover, it is also impossible to drive without AC during hot summer conditions. You can’t bear this hot temperature during driving.
The increase in temperature will also produce a burning smell that is difficult to bear.
In addition to this, without working of radiator fan, you should not be able to take your vehicle to long distances.
It will also produce clunking and roaring noise due to inappropriate movement.
What causes a bad fan clutch in Chevy Silverado?
Problems in the fan clutch are due to fluid leakage present in them, which causes a problem in running the cooling fan.
This problem occurs when silicon pressure is low; the clutch will not engage appropriately due to less friction.
The valves are also necessary to engage them adequately; when there is some problem in valves, it will also cause an issue in their movement.
Thermostatic springs are also present for engagement and disengagement of the clutch; when they become loose or damaged, it will create an issue.
The problem in disengagement also comes when the temperature sensors are defective and show the wrong reading on the screen.
Due to this inaccurate reading, the clutch will work accordingly to spin the radiator fan. Coolant sensors are also present, which will work according to the temperature conditions.
The cooling fan will work accordingly if this coolant sensor is not adequately calibrated and shows inappropriate reading.
Fan speeds sensors are also present, which makes sure that fans are running after engaging the clutch; the issue in these sensors will also create the problem.
If you face any silicone leakage or irregular rotation, then you should consult with the mechanics. It is necessary to replace them because their repairmen are not possible.
You should also check them after some time to diagnose the problem. Finally, you should connect it with an engine you have not started from one day.
Then spin it at a faster speed as you can; if it rotates consecutively less than five times, then there is no issue.
The total cost of repairing them depends on their type because high-duty types are more costly than others.
The total cost for the whole replacement is about $100 to $150 without labor cost. The real-time required to do this procedure depends upon personal skills and experience.
The average time to replace them is about 60 to 80 minutes for an experienced mechanic.
Related Articles:
What should be the radiator size for a truck?
List of common issues with the WeatherTech windows deflectors
Remove the torsion bars from the Chevy truck
Which Pickup Truck is the Fastest?
Can You Mix 5W-20 and 5W-30 Motor Oil?