cooling

Cooling Fan Assembly

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the cooling fan assembly on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, including radiator fan motor and shroud.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.

⚠Do not operate vehicle with cooling fan disconnected or removed as engine will overheat.

ℹ️This procedure requires partial coolant drain to prevent spillage when disconnecting upper radiator hose if necessary.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

12mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension setEssential

Flathead screwdriver

Panel removal tool set

Drain panEssential

Torque wrenchEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Cooling fan assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Radiator drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 1.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and allow engine to cool for at least 2 hours
Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes before proceeding
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge, then lifting away
Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands if additional access is needed
Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location

Procedure

1
Drain partial coolant
Locate radiator drain plug on driver side lower corner of radiator. Slowly loosen drain plug and drain approximately 1.5 quarts of coolant into drain pan. This prevents coolant spillage when separating components. Once drained, reinstall drain plug with new washer.
Torque spec
Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2
Remove upper air intake components
Disconnect air intake duct from air filter housing. Loosen clamp at throttle body and remove entire intake tube assembly to provide access to cooling fan area. Set aside in clean location.
3
Disconnect fan electrical connector
Locate the cooling fan motor electrical connector on the driver side of the fan shroud. Press down on the locking tab and pull connector straight out to disconnect. Route connector away from fan assembly.
4
Disconnect upper radiator hose clamp
Locate upper radiator hose connection at radiator. Using flathead screwdriver or socket, loosen hose clamp and slide toward engine. Gently twist and pull hose off radiator neck. Be prepared for minor coolant spillage.
⚠Some residual coolant will drain from hose even after partial drain. Have shop towels ready.
Torque spec
Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5
Remove fan shroud upper mounting bolts
Locate two upper mounting bolts securing fan shroud to radiator at top edge. Using 10mm socket, remove both bolts completely. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6
Release lower fan shroud tabs
The fan shroud is secured at the bottom by plastic tabs that insert into radiator slots. Carefully pull the bottom of the fan shroud toward the engine while lifting upward to disengage lower mounting tabs from radiator.
7
Remove cooling fan assembly
Lift cooling fan assembly straight up and out of engine bay. Maneuver carefully to avoid contact with radiator fins or AC condenser. Inspect radiator mounting points for damage or debris.
8
Install new cooling fan assembly
Lower new fan assembly into position, aligning lower mounting tabs with slots in radiator. Press downward firmly to fully seat lower tabs, ensuring they are properly engaged.
9
Install upper mounting bolts
Insert and hand-tighten both upper mounting bolts. Once both bolts are started, torque to specification using criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure on shroud mounting points.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
10
Reconnect upper radiator hose
Slide hose clamp onto radiator hose. Push hose fully onto radiator neck until it seats against bead. Position clamp over connection point and tighten to specification.
Torque spec
Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11
Reconnect electrical connector
Plug cooling fan electrical connector back into fan motor. Ensure connector clicks and locks securely in place. Verify wiring is routed away from moving components and hot surfaces.
12
Refill and bleed cooling system
Add Honda Type 2 coolant to radiator and coolant reservoir to proper level. Reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with heater on high. Monitor for leaks and proper fan operation. Add coolant as needed after air bleeds from system.

Reassembly

Reinstall air intake tube and tighten all clamps securely
Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear tabs first, then pressing down on front clips
Check coolant level again after test drive and top off reservoir if needed
Verify no coolant leaks around radiator hose connection points

Verification

Start engine and verify cooling fan runs when AC is turned on
Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature and verify fan cycles on automatically
Check for coolant leaks around upper radiator hose connection
Verify no abnormal noises from fan motor during operation
Confirm coolant level is at FULL mark on reservoir when engine is cold

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