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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
3. Open hood and secure in upright position
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
5. Place drain pan and coolant recovery container under radiator area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover and air intake components
   Remove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the front corners to release the mounting grommets. Remove the air intake tube from the throttle body to the air filter housing by loosening the hose clamps and disconnecting any electrical connectors. This provides access to the upper radiator area.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Drain partial coolant
   Place drain pan under the radiator drain petcock located on the driver's side lower corner of the radiator. Open the petcock by turning counterclockwise and drain approximately 2-3 quarts of coolant. This lowers the coolant level below the upper radiator hose connection. Close the petcock hand tight when sufficient coolant has drained.
   ⚠Even on a cold engine, coolant may still be warm. Wear protective gloves.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the radiator. Use pliers to compress and slide the spring clamp away from the connection point. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull straight off the radiator neck. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
4. 4

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan motor electrical connector on the fan shroud assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight out from the fan motor. On some models, there may be a secondary connector for the fan speed control module - disconnect this as well if present.
5. 5

   Remove fan shroud mounting bolts
   Locate the fan shroud mounting bolts around the perimeter of the fan assembly. There are typically 4-6 bolts securing the shroud to the radiator support. Use a 10mm socket to remove all mounting bolts. Keep track of bolt locations as some may be different lengths.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove fan shroud assembly
   Carefully lift the fan shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. The assembly includes the fan motor, fan blade, and shroud as one unit. Maneuver around any hoses or wiring as needed. On the 3.5L EcoBoost, watch for clearance with the intercooler piping. Place the assembly on a clean work surface.
   ⚠Fan shroud assembly is bulky. Use care to avoid damaging radiator fins or intercooler during removal.
7. 7

   Remove fan blade from motor
   With the fan assembly on the work surface, locate the fan blade retaining nut or bolts at the center of the fan blade. Most F-150 EcoBoost models use a nut that requires a large wrench (typically 22mm). Remove the retaining hardware and carefully separate the fan blade from the motor shaft. Note the orientation of any spacers or washers.
   ℹ️Fan blade nut may have reverse thread on some applications. Check for directional markings.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove fan motor from shroud
   Locate the 3-4 bolts securing the fan motor housing to the fan shroud. Use an 8mm or 10mm socket to remove the fan motor mounting bolts. Carefully pull the motor assembly out of the shroud housing, noting the position of any rubber isolation mounts or grommets.
   Torque spec

   Fan Motor Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new fan motor
   Position the new fan motor into the shroud housing, ensuring any rubber grommets or isolation mounts are properly seated. Install the fan motor bolts and torque to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Verify the motor shaft rotates freely without binding.
   Torque spec

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

    Install fan blade to new motor
    Place any spacers or washers on the new motor shaft in the correct order as noted during disassembly. Align the fan blade onto the motor shaft and install the retaining nut or bolts. Torque the fan blade hardware to specification. Verify the fan blade is secure and does not wobble.
    Torque spec

    Fan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall fan shroud assembly
    Carefully lower the complete fan shroud assembly back into the engine bay, ensuring proper alignment with the radiator mounting points. Watch clearances around intercooler piping and other components. Align all mounting holes with the radiator support brackets.
12. 12

    Secure shroud mounting bolts
    Install all fan shroud mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque them to specification in a cross-pattern. Verify the shroud sits flush against the radiator mounting points and the fan blade has adequate clearance from the shroud.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical and coolant connections
    Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connector(s), ensuring the locking tabs click into place. Reinstall the upper radiator hose onto the radiator neck and position the spring clamp over the connection point. Ensure the hose is fully seated.
14. 14

    Refill coolant and check system
    Refill the cooling system with Motorcraft Orange Coolant through the radiator cap or coolant reservoir to the proper level. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature while monitoring for leaks. The cooling fan should activate when the engine reaches approximately 220°F. Top off coolant as needed after the system burps air.
    ⚠Keep hands and tools clear of fan blades once battery is reconnected and engine is started.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall air intake components and tighten all hose clamps to specification
2. Reinstall engine cover by pressing firmly onto mounting grommets
3. Dispose of used coolant properly at an approved recycling facility
4. Double-check all electrical connections are secure and no tools remain in engine bay

Verification

• Start engine and verify cooling fan operates smoothly without unusual noise or vibration
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and confirm fan activates automatically
• Check for coolant leaks around upper radiator hose connection
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to cooling system
• Confirm coolant level is at proper mark on reservoir after system reaches operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and monitor engine temperature gauge remains in normal range

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