Cooling Fan Motor

Remove and replace the cooling fan motor assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, accessing from the engine bay and removing the fan shroud.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fan shroud mounting grommets (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar HOAT coolant 50/50 — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan and coolant recycling container in accessible location near front of vehicle
4. Open hood and secure in raised position
5. Disconnect battery negative terminal to prevent fan motor from energizing during service

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve cooling system pressure
   Slowly rotate the coolant reservoir pressure cap counterclockwise to the first detent and allow any residual pressure to escape. Once pressure is fully relieved, remove the cap completely and set aside in a clean location.
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Position drain pan beneath upper radiator hose connection at radiator. Using pliers, compress and slide the hose clamp away from the radiator neck on the upper radiator hose. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull it free from the radiator. Expect coolant drainage; direct flow into drain pan.
3. 3

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan motor electrical connector on the passenger side of the fan shroud. Press the locking tab and pull the connector apart. Route the wiring harness clear of the fan shroud to prevent damage during removal.
4. 4

   Remove fan shroud upper mounting fasteners
   Remove the 2 upper fan shroud mounting bolts securing the shroud to the radiator support using a socket and ratchet. These bolts are located at the top corners of the fan shroud.
5. 5

   Release fan shroud lower mounting points
   The lower portion of the fan shroud engages the radiator via rubber mounting grommets or tabs. Carefully lift the shroud assembly upward approximately 1 inch to disengage the lower mounting points from the radiator. Inspect grommets for damage and replace if cracked or missing.
6. 6

   Remove fan shroud and motor assembly
   With upper bolts removed and lower mounts disengaged, carefully lift the entire fan shroud and motor assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. The fan blade remains attached to the motor during this removal. Maneuver carefully to avoid contact with radiator fins or hoses. Place assembly on clean work surface.
7. 7

   Separate fan motor from shroud
   With the shroud assembly on a work surface, remove the 3 fan motor mounting fasteners securing the motor to the shroud. Separate the motor from the shroud. The fan blade may be attached to the motor shaft; if replacing only the motor, note orientation and transfer the fan blade to the new motor ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment.
8. 8

   Install new fan motor to shroud
   Position the new cooling fan motor into the fan shroud, aligning the mounting holes. Ensure the fan blade (if transferred) is oriented correctly with balanced clearance to shroud walls. Install the 3 motor mounting fasteners and tighten securely in a cross pattern to prevent binding.
9. 9

   Install fan shroud and motor assembly
   Carefully lower the fan shroud and motor assembly into the engine bay, guiding the lower mounting tabs or grommets into their receptacles on the radiator. Ensure the shroud seats fully at the lower mounting points before proceeding.
10. 10

    Install fan shroud upper mounting fasteners
    Install the 2 upper fan shroud mounting bolts through the shroud into the radiator support. Tighten securely but do not overtighten, as excessive force can damage the radiator mounting ears.
11. 11

    Reconnect cooling fan electrical connector
    Reconnect the cooling fan motor electrical connector, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure and the wiring harness is routed away from the fan blades and any moving components.
12. 12

    Reinstall upper radiator hose
    Push the upper radiator hose fully onto the radiator neck, ensuring it seats completely. Slide the hose clamp into position over the connection point and compress to secure. Verify the clamp is positioned properly and the hose cannot be pulled free.
13. 13

    Refill cooling system
    Using a funnel, add Mopar HOAT coolant 50/50 mixture to the coolant reservoir until at the specified fill level. Verify coolant reaches the COLD FULL mark on the reservoir. Install the reservoir pressure cap securely.
14. 14

    Purge air from cooling system
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature with the heater set to maximum temperature and fan on high. Monitor coolant level in the overflow reservoir and add as needed. Observe that the cooling fan cycles on at appropriate temperature. Shut off engine and allow to cool, then recheck coolant level and top off to COLD FULL mark.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedural steps above, following reverse order of disassembly
2. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
3. Verify coolant hoses are properly seated and clamps are positioned correctly
4. Check for any tools or materials left in engine bay before closing hood

Verification

• Start engine and verify cooling fan operates when engine reaches normal operating temperature (typically 200-210°F)
• Check for coolant leaks at upper radiator hose connection and all disturbed components
• Verify cooling fan electrical connector is secure and shows no signs of arcing or heat damage
• Confirm coolant level is at COLD FULL mark on overflow reservoir after complete cool-down cycle
• Listen for unusual noises from fan motor during operation indicating bearing wear or blade contact with shroud

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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