This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan assembly on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including fan shroud and motor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan assembly (fan motor and shroud) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant (for top-off) × 1 — Motorcraft Orange Coolant

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 1 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 terminal to prevent fan activation during service
4. Remove engine cover by lifting upward on front edge then pulling forward
5. Place drain pan beneath radiator drain petcock on passenger side lower radiator tank

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain partial coolant
   Open the radiator drain petcock located on the lower passenger side of the radiator. Drain approximately 2-3 quarts of coolant into the drain pan until level drops below the upper radiator hose connection. Close the petcock hand-tight when finished.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the radiator. Loosen the hose clamp using pliers and slide it back on the hose approximately 2 inches. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull it off the radiator neck. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
   ⚠Residual coolant will drain from the hose. Keep drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan motor electrical connector on the driver side of the fan shroud. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight out from the fan motor. Route the wiring harness clear of the fan shroud.
4. 4

   Remove air deflector shield
   Remove the plastic air deflector shield mounted above the radiator by removing the retaining screws along the top edge using an 8mm socket. There are typically 4-6 screws securing this panel. Lift the deflector upward and out of the engine bay.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect transmission cooler line bracket (if equipped)
   On vehicles with automatic transmission, locate the transmission cooler line bracket attached to the fan shroud on the driver side. Remove the single bolt securing the bracket using a 10mm socket, then move the bracket aside without disconnecting the cooler lines.
6. 6

   Remove fan shroud mounting bolts
   Remove the four fan shroud mounting bolts (two on each side of the shroud) using a 10mm socket with extension. The upper bolts attach the shroud to the radiator support bracket, and the lower bolts attach to tabs on the radiator itself. Keep these bolts organized for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Upper bolts may be difficult to access. Use a long extension and work from above the engine bay.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Carefully lift the cooling fan and shroud assembly straight upward out of the engine bay. The assembly will need to clear the radiator and various hoses. Tilt slightly as needed but avoid contact with the radiator fins. The fan blade assembly remains attached to the motor and shroud during removal.
   ⚠The assembly weighs approximately 15-20 lbs and is awkward to handle. Do not allow the fan shroud to contact radiator fins as they damage easily.
8. 8

   Install new cooling fan assembly
   Lower the new cooling fan assembly into position, guiding it carefully between the radiator and engine. Ensure the lower tabs on the shroud align with the mounting points on the radiator, and the upper portion seats against the radiator support. The shroud should sit flush against the radiator mounting points.
9. 9

   Install fan shroud mounting bolts
   Install the four fan shroud mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Start with the lower bolts, then the upper bolts. Once all four are started, torque each bolt to specification using a torque wrench in a cross pattern (lower driver, upper passenger, lower passenger, upper driver).
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect transmission cooler line bracket
    If removed, reposition the transmission cooler line bracket to the fan shroud and install the mounting bolt. Tighten securely but do not overtorque the plastic shroud mounting point.
11. 11

    Reconnect upper radiator hose
    Slide the upper radiator hose onto the radiator neck, ensuring it is fully seated past the raised bead. Position the hose clamp over the connection point approximately 1/2 inch from the end of the neck and tighten to specification. Ensure the hose is not kinked or twisted.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect fan electrical connector
    Connect the cooling fan motor electrical connector by aligning the connector and pushing firmly until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked in place.
13. 13

    Install air deflector shield
    Position the air deflector shield above the radiator and align the mounting holes. Install all retaining screws and torque to specification in a progressive pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill and bleed cooling system
    Add Motorcraft Orange Coolant to the coolant reservoir to restore the proper level. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the reservoir cap off. Add additional coolant as the system burps air. Monitor for proper fan operation during warm-up. Once at operating temperature and the fan has cycled, turn off the engine, allow to cool slightly, and top off coolant to the COLD FILL line.
    ⚠Do not open the cooling system when hot. Allow the engine to cool before final coolant level check.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear tabs and pressing down firmly on front edge until clips engage
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten securely
3. Inspect area around radiator hose connection and drain petcock for any coolant leaks
4. Dispose of drained coolant according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Start engine and verify cooling fan operates when engine reaches approximately 220°F operating temperature
• Confirm no coolant leaks at upper radiator hose connection or drain petcock
• Verify coolant level is at proper COLD FILL mark on reservoir after engine cools completely
• Check that fan runs smoothly without unusual noise or vibration
• Confirm air deflector shield is properly secured with no loose screws
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge remains in normal range

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