Cooling Fan Assembly

Remove and replace the engine cooling fan assembly, including the fan shroud, fan blade, and fan clutch or electric fan motor, to restore proper engine cooling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan assembly (fan blade, shroud, and motor/clutch as equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine coolant × 1 — Ethylene glycol 50/50 premix
• Radiator hose clamps (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• coolant — 24 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch.
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental fan motor engagement if equipped with electric fan.
4. Place coolant drain pan under radiator drain petcock.
5. Open radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure.
6. Drain coolant by opening radiator drain petcock until coolant level is below the upper radiator hose connection.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose at the radiator connection. Using pliers, loosen the hose clamp and slide it back away from the radiator neck. Gently twist and pull the hose off the radiator connection to provide clearance for fan shroud removal. Have shop towels ready to catch residual coolant.
2. 2

   Remove fan shroud upper mounting fasteners
   Locate the fan shroud mounting bolts at the top of the shroud where it attaches to the radiator support. Remove the 2 upper mounting bolts securing the fan shroud to the radiator core support. Set bolts aside for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove fan shroud lower mounting fasteners
   Access the lower portion of the fan shroud. Remove the 2 lower mounting bolts securing the bottom of the fan shroud to the radiator or radiator support brackets. The shroud is now free but remains in position around the fan assembly.
4. 4

   Lift fan shroud away from fan assembly
   Carefully lift the fan shroud upward and forward, maneuvering it over the fan blades and out of the engine bay. Work slowly to avoid contact between shroud and radiator fins. Set shroud aside in a clean area.
5. 5

   Remove fan clutch and blade assembly from water pump
   The 1992 Viper uses an electric cooling fan assembly, not a water-pump-driven fan. Disconnect the electric fan motor connector, then remove the fasteners securing the fan motor/blade assembly to the shroud (verify exact count and fastener type against the factory service manual before proceeding). Remove the electric fan and blade assembly as a unit.e assembly as a unit from the water pump shaft.
6. 6

   Inspect water pump shaft and pulley
   With the electric fan assembly removed, inspect the fan motor connector, wiring, and shroud mounting points for damage or corrosion. Verify the radiator surface and fins are undamaged before installing the new fan assembly.
7. 7

   Install replacement fan clutch and blade assembly
   Install the replacement electric fan/motor assembly onto the shroud, reconnect the fan motor electrical connector, and secure the mounting fasteners per the factory service manual torque specification (verify value against the FSM).
8. 8

   Reinstall fan shroud
   Carefully lower the fan shroud back into position, guiding it over the fan blades and centering it around the fan assembly. Ensure the shroud sits flush against its mounting points on the radiator support.
9. 9

   Secure fan shroud mounting fasteners
   Install and tighten the 2 lower fan shroud mounting bolts first, then install and tighten the 2 upper mounting bolts. Tighten the fan shroud mounting bolts to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft). Verify the shroud is properly positioned with adequate clearance around the fan blades.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect upper radiator hose
    Slide the upper radiator hose back onto the radiator neck, ensuring it is fully seated. Position the hose clamp over the connection point and tighten to 3 Nm (2 lb-ft). Verify the connection is secure and the hose is not kinked.
    Torque spec

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

    Refill cooling system
    Close the radiator drain petcock and tighten to 7 Nm (5 lb-ft). Refill the cooling system with the specified 50/50 ethylene glycol coolant mixture. Fill the radiator to the neck and add coolant to the overflow reservoir to the FULL COLD mark. Install the radiator cap.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Bleed cooling system and check for leaks
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the heater on maximum. Monitor coolant level and add as needed while the system burps out air. Check all connections for leaks. Once at operating temperature, verify the electric cooling fan energizes and runs when coolant temperature rises, and shuts off as the system cools. Shut off engine, allow to cool, and recheck coolant level.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above, following reverse order of disassembly.
2. Ensure all hose clamps are positioned correctly and tightened to specification to prevent coolant leaks.
3. Double-check that the fan shroud is properly seated and all mounting bolts are secure before starting the engine.
4. After initial test run, recheck coolant level after engine cools and top off as necessary.

Verification

• Start the engine and visually confirm the fan rotates smoothly without wobble or interference with the shroud.
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature (approximately 195-210°F) and verify the fan clutch engages, increasing fan speed noticeably.
• Check for coolant leaks at the upper radiator hose connection and drain petcock.
• Listen for abnormal fan noise such as grinding, rubbing, or excessive roar that would indicate improper installation.
• Verify coolant level is stable in the overflow reservoir after the engine has cooled.
• Test drive the vehicle and monitor engine temperature gauge to confirm proper cooling system operation under load.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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