The AC condenser fan removes heat from the condenser when you are driving slowly. Here are the common symptoms of a bad AC condenser fan.
When you are driving on a hot summer day, you want cold air coming out of the vents. With so many functional parts in the car’s air conditioning system, any failure can cause problems. That is why it is important to know the symptoms of a bad car AC condenser and how they differ from other malfunctions.
In this guide, we look at what happens when the car’s air conditioning condenser fan fails and discuss its purpose. We also show you where it is located, how to test it, and give you an estimated replacement cost.
Symptoms of a Bad Car Condenser Fan
When the AC condenser fan fails, you may notice hot air coming from the vents. There could also be irregular temperatures pumping into the cabin or a refrigerant leak. A burning smell may also occur, as well as engine overheating, especially at idle.
Let’s look at these five most common symptoms.
1. Hot Air from the Vents
Whenever you face an air conditioning problem, your first sign of trouble might be hot air coming from the vents. This issue can occur slowly over time or suddenly, depending on the severity of the problem.
The reason the air warms up is that the condenser becomes too hot to convert the refrigerant back into liquid form. However, this same problem occurs when there is not enough refrigerant in the system, which is why you want to perform a full diagnosis to understand what is wrong.
2. Irregular Air Temperature from the Vents
If the fan only works intermittently, you may notice that hot air only comes out occasionally. A few minutes later, you might get cold air again, making the situation very confusing.
The other cause of this problem could be a loose connection, wire, or short circuit. For this reason, you might instead be dealing with an electrical system issue. We cover more when explaining how to diagnose the problem.
3. Refrigerant Leak
The AC condenser contains pressurized refrigerant. When the fan stops cooling the condenser, heat and pressure begin to build up.
The result is usually some kind of damage to the condenser, leading to a leak. However, a leak can be caused by any damage to the lines or other components of the AC system.
4. Burning Smell
What you never want to smell while driving is burning. This smell can indicate a multitude of problems, including issues related to the condenser fan.
When the condenser starts to overheat, the entire air conditioning system suffers. As the parts get hot enough, you might start to smell them. The hotter the components get, the more likely damage is to occur. That is why you should stop driving and investigate the problem at the first signs of an issue.
5. Car Overheating at Idle
When the air conditioning system struggles to function, it can put a strain on the entire vehicle. When the engine has to work harder, it may start to overheat, especially when the car is idling and there is no airflow to cool the engine.
The overheating situation might resolve itself once you start moving again, but you should still look into the problem. Letting your engine overheat will only lead to serious engine damage and expensive repair bills.
What is the Function of an AC Condenser Fan?
For the air conditioning system to function as expected, heat must be exchanged for cooler air. To achieve this, the refrigerant is converted from its liquid form to gas. In the closed loop, it also goes from gas to liquid and the process continues to repeat.
Understanding each part of the air conditioning system helps you understand what the fan is responsible for. The AC compressor is powered by the crankshaft. Its role is to pressurize the refrigerant. This is where the AC switches to a high-pressure state compared to its previous low-pressure state.
This high-pressure refrigerant now enters the condenser. Consider the condenser as a smaller radiator. Heat is extracted from the refrigerant through the airflow provided by the fan. Once the heat is removed, the gas condenses and becomes liquid again.
Without the fan, it would be much harder to remove this heat from the refrigerant. The pressure would not be relieved, so the gas would attempt to move through the system, even though it should be liquid at this stage. Because the gas cannot pass through the dryer/accumulator, as well as the orifice tube or expansion valve, the pressure will be too high.
Where is the AC Condenser Fan Located?
You can find the AC condenser fan under the hood of your car. It should be located closer to the front as it will draw air from outside. In some vehicles, you will find two fans. One will be for the radiator and the other will be used by the condenser. However, there could also be a single fan used by both.
For this reason, you want to reference the diagram found in your service manual. You should also find good instructions for troubleshooting the fan, or you can continue with our suggestions.
How to Test an AC Condenser Fan?
When the air conditioning system is running, the condenser fan should also be running. If it is not, there might be a problem, but it does not automatically mean you need to replace the fan. Instead, you want to rule out other issues, such as a wiring problem. Here are some steps to consider.
- Check the car fuses. If the fuse has blown, the condenser fan may not work. You can find the fuse diagram in the service manual or on the cover. Remove the one that operates the fan and replace it with a new one if it is blown.
- Visually inspect the wiring and connectors. Look for any signs of damage and replace anything that appears worn.
- Look for obstructions. Since the fan is located at the front of the vehicle, debris could have gotten lodged inside. If you see dirt or grime, try cleaning the fan and see if it works again.
- With a multimeter, you can check if there is a signal to the fan. If the fan is receiving power but it is not running, it is time to replace it.
If any of these steps are beyond your skills or if you need help with the repairs, contact a professional in your area. As mechanics, we have seen many people attempt AC repairs only to make the problem worse. For this reason, it is always best to be cautious if you are unsure.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace an AC Condenser Fan?
On average, expect to spend between $300 and $475 for AC condenser fan replacement. Parts can cost between $225 and $350, while labor would add an additional $75 to $175, depending on the ease of installation.
It is difficult to give an exact estimate for the cost of a new AC condenser fan. First, you must consider the make and model of your vehicle, as some luxury cars have much more expensive parts. Additionally, labor costs must be taken into account. Mechanical labor rates vary depending on where you live. If you can do the job yourself, you could save a good amount of money.
Some people want to try to repair the condenser fan, but it does not make much sense. The condenser cooling fan is sold as a complete unit. It comes with a motor, blades, and housing. You might as well replace the entire assembly, given the cost.
However, it is important to ensure you have the correct diagnosis. If you mistake the problem for a faulty condenser fan and there is something else wrong, you will have wasted time and money. You should always verify that the air is not blowing hot due to a refrigerant leak or another faulty component.
Can I Drive My Car Without a Condenser Fan?
You could drive without the condenser fan working, but it is not always advisable. First, the cabin will get hot, especially if you are traveling in the summer. You also will not be able to use the defrost setting, which may be necessary for visibility. Additionally, if the engine overheats, you will have bigger problems on your hands.
Does the Car AC Condenser Fan Always Run?
Yes, when you turn on the car’s air conditioning, the condenser fan should run. It is necessary to cool the hot refrigerant so it can be liquefied. If it cannot cool, you will not be able to get cold air out of the vents and you might start to smell something burning. You want the air conditioning to be checked immediately.
What Does a Bad Condenser Fan Sound Like?
After a complete condenser fan failure, you will not hear any noise because it will not be running. However, if you catch it as it starts to deteriorate, you might hear a humming sound. The same humming can be heard if there is an electrical short interfering with normal operation.
When Should a Car Condenser Fan Turn On?
The AC condenser fan should always be on when the air conditioning is running. After turning on the air conditioning, the condenser fan should turn on shortly after. It is necessary to cool the hot refrigerant so it becomes liquid again. If it does not change from a gas to a liquid, it will not be able to circulate freely through the system.
How Long Does a Condenser Fan Last?
The condenser fan undergoes a lot of abuse, so it usually will not last forever. You might even need to install a few throughout the car’s lifespan, depending on how many miles you drive. However, it is not usual for the condenser fan to fail before reaching the 100,000-mile mark.
Conclusion
If you are struggling to get cold air conditioning while driving, it might be time to take a look at the condenser fan. Although many parts can cause the same problems, this one is relatively easy to diagnose because the fan should run whenever the AC is on.