Electric fan
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Electric fan
Hey everyone. I tried searching but got a few differrent answers about this so I decided I'll ask. When is the electric fan supposed to come on? My 99 xj got up to about 230 and the fan did not come on. I'm pretty sure it doesn't work and I'm going to replace it but when is it supposed to come on? Also, when checking the fan clutch on the mechanical fan, I can spin it easily but it won't rotate on its own. Should that be good?thanks
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 351
From: District of Columbia
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
It's supposed to come on when the coolant temp reaches 218* (I think that's right, help me out if I'm wrong) or if the A/C compressor is running. Does yours come on with the A/C? If the dash gauge is off, that'll also make you think it's getting hotter than it really is. You can verify the temp with one of those infrared thermometers aimed right at the thermostat housing.
The "spin test" of the mechanical fan clutch is wildly inaccurate at best. If it's never been replaced since you've owned it, just get a new one. They're only 30 bucks. Mine "passed" the spin test but was shot anyway. New one actually engages like it should when it gets hot.
The "spin test" of the mechanical fan clutch is wildly inaccurate at best. If it's never been replaced since you've owned it, just get a new one. They're only 30 bucks. Mine "passed" the spin test but was shot anyway. New one actually engages like it should when it gets hot.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
It's supposed to come on when the coolant temp reaches 218* (I think that's right, help me out if I'm wrong) or if the A/C compressor is running. Does yours come on with the A/C? If the dash gauge is off, that'll also make you think it's getting hotter than it really is. You can verify the temp with one of those infrared thermometers aimed right at the thermostat housing.
The "spin test" of the mechanical fan clutch is wildly inaccurate at best. If it's never been replaced since you've owned it, just get a new one. They're only 30 bucks. Mine "passed" the spin test but was shot anyway. New one actually engages like it should when it gets hot.
The "spin test" of the mechanical fan clutch is wildly inaccurate at best. If it's never been replaced since you've owned it, just get a new one. They're only 30 bucks. Mine "passed" the spin test but was shot anyway. New one actually engages like it should when it gets hot.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,302
Likes: 23
From: Wisconsin
Model: Cherokee
CCKen has a good write up on testing the electric fan here:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/ele...orking-130670/
At least check the fuse and relay before you replace it.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/ele...orking-130670/
At least check the fuse and relay before you replace it.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 103
From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Get the clutch from NAPA, other clutches from O'reilly, etc. are junk.
The belt has to be removed to get the fan out and then change the clutch, but loosen it a bit before removing it so you can loosen the fan nuts, then remove the belt.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I've read that the belt doesn't have to be touched? Just take bolts from the shroud off and the fan can come out?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 103
From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You're right, the belt does not have to be removed to pull the fan/clutch. I had a brain fart.
The fan does get removed/installed with the shroud. Be careful not to hit the radiator with the fan blades removing & reinstalling the fan.
As I recall, the nuts are 5/6-18 Keps nuts, available at Lowe's.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 211
Likes: 2
From: Tucson, AZ
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
You're right, the belt does not have to be removed to pull the fan/clutch. I had a brain fart.
The fan does get removed/installed with the shroud. Be careful not to hit the radiator with the fan blades removing & reinstalling the fan.
As I recall, the nuts are 5/6-18 Keps nuts, available at Lowe's.
The fan does get removed/installed with the shroud. Be careful not to hit the radiator with the fan blades removing & reinstalling the fan.
As I recall, the nuts are 5/6-18 Keps nuts, available at Lowe's.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 0
From: whiting
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Hey everyone. I tried searching but got a few differrent answers about this so I decided I'll ask. When is the electric fan supposed to come on? My 99 xj got up to about 230 and the fan did not come on. I'm pretty sure it doesn't work and I'm going to replace it but when is it supposed to come on? Also, when checking the fan clutch on the mechanical fan, I can spin it easily but it won't rotate on its own. Should that be good?thanks
Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Thurston County, Wa.
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
E fan isn't working correct ? It should come on at 210-215 or when the AC compressor is running. Why are you not trying to fix it and working on the mechanical fan ? Was the clutch bad as well ?
Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Thurston County, Wa.
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I'd ditch both the stock fans and get a 3 fan setup and a duel fan controller and be done with it
Attachment 286839
Attachment 286839
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I am trying to fix it. Everything is looking ok so I'm just going to buy a new e fan.Their cheap enough. I am going to do the fan clutch because why not right?? Haha no my buddy is giving me a new fan clutch so I'm just going to change it