Cooling Fan Motor

Replace the cooling fan motor assembly on the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV electric vehicle, which cools the battery thermal management system and power electronics.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fan motor seal/gasket (if separate) × 1 — Check with fan motor kit

Fluids

• ACDelco DEX-COOL (Orange) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Verify high-voltage system is disabled per manufacturer safety procedures (service mode)
2. Ensure vehicle is on level ground and cooling system is completely cold
3. Disconnect negative terminal of 12V battery and wait 5 minutes
4. Remove front undertray/splash shield to access cooling fan assembly from below
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock
6. Open coolant reservoir cap slowly to release any residual pressure

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Locate the drain petcock on the lower radiator tank. Open the petcock and drain approximately 2 quarts of coolant into the drain pan. This is enough to drop the level below the fan motor connections. Close petcock when draining is complete.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper fan shroud cover
   From the engine bay, locate the fan shroud cover screws at the top of the assembly (typically 3-4 screws). Remove the cover screws and carefully lift the cover away to expose the fan motor assembly.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the fan motor electrical connector on the motor housing. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Do not pull on wires. If connector has a secondary lock, remove it first.
4. 4

   Remove coolant hoses (if applicable)
   If the fan motor has integrated coolant passages, use hose clamp pliers to release the hose clamps on the inlet and outlet hoses. Mark hose orientation if not keyed. Carefully twist and pull hoses off the motor fittings. Have a rag ready to catch residual coolant.
   ⚠Some coolant will spill when hoses are disconnected. Ensure drain pan is positioned to catch overflow.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove fan blade assembly
   Locate the fan blade mounting bolts at the center hub (typically 3-4 bolts). Hold the fan blade to prevent rotation and remove the fan bolts. Carefully remove the fan blade assembly from the motor shaft. Note the orientation of the fan for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove fan motor mounting bolts
   Locate the fan motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the fan shroud housing (typically 3-4 bolts around the perimeter). Remove all fan motor bolts while supporting the motor assembly to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Fan Motor Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove fan motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the fan motor assembly out of the shroud housing. It may be necessary to tilt or rotate the motor to clear any mounting tabs or brackets. Inspect the motor mounting surface and seal area on the housing for debris or damage.
8. 8

   Prepare new fan motor
   Inspect the new fan motor assembly and verify it matches the original. If a separate seal or gasket is included, install it onto the new motor housing per manufacturer instructions. Ensure all mounting surfaces are clean and free of old gasket material or debris.
9. 9

   Install new fan motor
   Position the new fan motor into the shroud housing, ensuring proper alignment with mounting holes and any locating pins. Insert all fan motor mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Torque bolts in a cross-pattern to specification.
   Torque spec

   Fan Motor Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install fan blade assembly
    Position the fan blade assembly onto the motor shaft in the correct orientation (note from disassembly). Install fan bolts and hand-tighten. Hold the fan blade and torque bolts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Fan Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect coolant hoses
    If applicable, reinstall coolant hoses onto the fan motor fittings. Ensure hoses are fully seated on the fittings. Position hose clamps over the hose connection area and tighten to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage hoses.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the fan motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Install any secondary locks. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
13. 13

    Reinstall fan shroud cover
    Position the fan shroud cover back onto the assembly, ensuring proper alignment. Install cover screws and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill and bleed cooling system
    Using a funnel, add DEX-COOL coolant to the reservoir to the COLD FILL line. Reconnect the 12V battery. Start the vehicle in READY mode and allow the cooling system to circulate. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. Run through several thermal cycles to purge air. Check for leaks around fan motor connections.
    ⚠Air pockets in the EV cooling system can cause battery thermal management issues. Ensure system is properly bled per manufacturer procedures.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front undertray/splash shield removed during preparation
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Double-check all electrical connections are secure and locked
4. Verify coolant level is at proper COLD FILL mark after system stabilizes

Verification

• With vehicle in READY mode, verify cooling fan operates at low and high speeds when commanded by the system
• Check for coolant leaks around fan motor hose connections and housing
• Monitor battery thermal management system for proper operation using vehicle diagnostics
• Verify no unusual fan noise or vibration during operation
• Confirm coolant level remains stable after several drive cycles
• Clear any diagnostic trouble codes related to cooling fan operation and verify they do not return

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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