Cooling Fan Assembly

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the cooling fan assembly on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including disconnecting electrical connections and removing mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cooling fan mounting bolts (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ACDelco DEX-COOL (Orange) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the vehicle has been off for at least 2 hours to allow all cooling systems to reach ambient temperature
2. Place the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake
3. Open the hood and support it with the prop rod
4. Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V auxiliary battery located in the rear cargo area
5. Wait 5 minutes to allow residual electrical charge to dissipate
6. Remove the front engine cover by releasing the retaining clips

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the cooling fan assembly
   Remove the upper radiator sight shield or cover by removing the retaining screws. This provides clear access to the cooling fan assembly mounted to the radiator. Set screws aside in a secure location.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect the fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan electrical connector on the driver side of the fan shroud. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight out to disconnect. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect coolant hoses if necessary
   If the fan assembly interferes with upper radiator hose or overflow reservoir hose, use hose clamp pliers to reposition the spring clamps. Slide clamps back on the hoses and carefully twist and pull hoses free. Have a drain pan ready to catch any coolant spillage.
   ⚠Even after cooling, residual coolant may still be warm. Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove upper fan mounting bolts
   Locate the two upper fan shroud mounting bolts that secure the fan assembly to the radiator support. These are typically 10mm bolts. Remove both upper bolts completely and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower fan mounting bolts
   Reach down to access the two lower fan shroud mounting bolts at the bottom of the assembly. These secure the fan shroud to the lower radiator support. Remove both lower bolts completely. Support the fan assembly with one hand as you remove the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the cooling fan assembly
   Carefully lift the cooling fan assembly upward and out of the engine compartment. The assembly may need to be angled slightly to clear the radiator and surrounding components. Take care not to damage the radiator fins or condenser during removal. Inspect the fan motor and shroud for damage or debris.
7. 7

   Install the new cooling fan assembly
   Position the new or replacement cooling fan assembly into the engine compartment, aligning the mounting tabs with the holes in the radiator support. Guide the assembly down carefully, ensuring the fan blades do not contact the radiator. Verify that the lower mounting tabs are properly seated before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install lower mounting bolts
   Start both lower fan shroud mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once both are started, torque the lower mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench in a criss-cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install upper mounting bolts
   Install both upper fan shroud mounting bolts by hand, ensuring they thread in smoothly. Torque the upper mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify all four mounting bolts are secure.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect coolant hoses
    If coolant hoses were disconnected, push hoses firmly onto their fittings until fully seated. Slide the hose clamps back into position over the hose connection points and verify they are secure. Torque spring clamps to specification if using new screw-type clamps.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Route the fan motor electrical connector along the original path. Align the connector and push together firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall covers and reconnect battery
    Reinstall the upper radiator cover or sight shield and secure with the retaining screws, torquing to specification. Reinstall the front engine cover. Reconnect the negative terminal of the 12V auxiliary battery in the rear cargo area.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Check coolant level in the overflow reservoir and top off with ACDelco DEX-COOL if necessary after any hose disconnection
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify no tools or parts are left in the engine compartment before closing the hood

Verification

• Turn the vehicle to ON position (do not press brake pedal to start) and observe the instrument cluster for any warning lights related to cooling system
• Start the vehicle and allow it to reach operating temperature while monitoring for coolant leaks around any disconnected hoses
• Verify the cooling fan activates automatically when the battery thermal management system or drive unit reaches operating temperature (fan should run smoothly without unusual noise or vibration)
• Use the vehicle's climate control system to confirm the cooling fan responds appropriately to A/C activation
• Recheck coolant level after the first drive cycle and top off if necessary

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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