cooling
Cooling Fan Assembly
for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.2 h
Tools
8
Steps
13
🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.
Warnings
⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.
⚠Do not operate engine with cooling fan assembly disconnected or removed, as this will cause immediate overheating.
⚠The cooling fan may spin freely when disconnected. Keep hands and tools clear of fan blades during removal.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
8mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Flathead screwdriver
Torque wrenchEssential
Panel removal tool set
Drain panEssential
Shop towelsEssential
Parts
- Cooling fan assembly (if defective) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Fan shroud clips (as needed) × 4 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 1 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Open hood and secure in upright position
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes to allow electrical systems to discharge
- Place drain pan under vehicle if partial coolant drainage is necessary
Procedure
- 1Remove engine coverLift up on the plastic engine cover to release the rubber grommets from the mounting posts. Remove the cover and set aside.
- 2Remove air intake systemLoosen the hose clamp at the throttle body and disconnect the air intake tube. Release the clips securing the air filter housing and remove the entire air intake assembly to provide access to the cooling fan.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 3Disconnect cooling fan electrical connectorLocate the cooling fan electrical connector on the passenger side of the fan shroud. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. Unclip the wiring harness from any retaining clips on the fan shroud.
- 4Disconnect upper radiator hose (if necessary)If upper radiator hose interferes with fan removal, loosen the hose clamp at the radiator and slide it back on the hose. Gently twist and pull the hose off the radiator neck. Be prepared for minor coolant spillage.⚠Even with a cool engine, residual coolant in the hose may be warm. Have shop towels ready.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 5Remove fan shroud upper mounting boltsLocate the two upper fan shroud mounting bolts at the top of the radiator support. Using a 10mm socket, remove both bolts completely and set aside. The fan shroud assembly is now supported only by lower tabs.
- 6Remove cooling fan assemblyCarefully lift the cooling fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. The lower tabs will disengage from the radiator as you lift. Tilt the assembly as needed to clear the radiator and surrounding components. Be mindful of the fan blade clearance.⚠The assembly is awkward and moderately heavy. Use caution when lifting to avoid dropping it onto the radiator or other components.
- 7Inspect radiator and cooling systemWith the fan assembly removed, visually inspect the radiator fins for damage, debris, or blockage. Check radiator mounting tabs for cracks. Inspect coolant hoses for deterioration or cracks. Clean any debris from the radiator face using compressed air from the engine side outward.
- 8Install cooling fan assemblyCarefully lower the new or reinstalled cooling fan and shroud assembly into position, aligning the lower tabs with the slots in the bottom of the radiator. Ensure the assembly sits flush against the radiator and the upper mounting holes align with the radiator support.
- 9Install fan shroud mounting boltsInstall the two upper 10mm fan shroud mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the shroud is properly seated on the lower tabs and flush against the radiator.Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect upper radiator hoseIf removed, 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 specification.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect cooling fan electrical connectorConnect the cooling fan electrical connector until it clicks into place. Secure the wiring harness to any retaining clips on the fan shroud to prevent interference with the fan blade.
- 12Reinstall air intake systemPosition the air intake assembly back into place and secure all mounting clips. Connect the air intake tube to the throttle body and tighten the hose clamp to specification.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall engine cover and reconnect batteryAlign the engine cover grommets with the mounting posts and press down firmly until seated. Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten securely.
Reassembly
- Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured
- Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine bay
- Check coolant level in the overflow reservoir and top off with Motorcraft Orange Coolant if needed
- Verify all hose clamps are properly tightened to prevent coolant leaks
Verification
- Start the engine and allow it to idle. Listen for unusual noises from the cooling fan area
- Observe the cooling fan operation. It should engage when engine temperature reaches normal operating range or when A/C is activated
- Check for coolant leaks around the upper radiator hose connection if it was disconnected
- Verify engine temperature remains in normal range and cooling fan cycles on and off appropriately
- Turn on the air conditioning and verify the cooling fan engages immediately at high speed