How to Disconnect Electrical Connections to a Radiator Fan

by Jonra Springs
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radiator humor image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com

Radiator repairs sometimes entail removing the radiator. In such cases it's often easier to unhook the electrical wiring to the fan and leave it attached to the radiator. The two can be separated after coming out from under the hood if the radiator fan must be removed for the repair. The wiring to the fan is connected by a clip-secured plug. Remove the plug to release the electrical connections.

Step 1

Park the car and allow sufficient cooling time so you can safely touch metal parts under the hood. This may take more than an hour if the vehicle has been running for a long period.

Step 2

Disconnect the negative battery terminal by loosening the terminal bolt on the black wire clamp on the terminal marked with a minus sign. Pull the cable away from the terminal so it does not accidentally contact it.

Step 3

Locate the electrical wiring plug connector on the radiator fan. The plug is typically mounted on the lower end passenger side, but may be connected at the center of the fan hub.

Step 4

Check the connector plug for a clip extending from the male end of the plug to the female end, which is secured on the fan shroud. Not all connector plugs have such clips. Lift the clip before pulling the male and female plug housings apart, if your plug is so equipped. Use the blade of a slotted screwdriver to lift the clip if you are unable to pull it up with a finger. The plug carries all electrical connections to the fan. Once it is unplugged, the fan power is disconnected.

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