Cooling Fan Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan motor assembly on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant overflow hose clamps (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cool to the touch (wait at least 2 hours after operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Open the hood and secure it in the open position
4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes before proceeding
5. Place a coolant drain pan beneath the radiator area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover and air intake components
   Remove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the four retention points. Remove the air intake duct from the throttle body to the air box by loosening the clamps. Disconnect the air intake tube and set aside to create access to the cooling fan area.
2. 2

   Release coolant system pressure
   Slowly loosen the radiator cap a quarter turn to release any residual pressure in the cooling system. Wait for any hissing to stop, then remove the cap completely. This prevents coolant spillage when disconnecting hoses.
   ⚠Even when cool, the system may have residual pressure. Turn the cap slowly and stop if steam or coolant appears.
3. 3

   Disconnect coolant overflow hose
   Locate the coolant overflow hose connected to the coolant reservoir. Use hose clamp pliers or a flathead screwdriver to reposition the spring clamp, then carefully pull the hose from the reservoir neck. Allow any coolant to drain into the pan.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove upper radiator cover
   Remove the plastic upper radiator cover by removing the retaining screws across the top of the radiator. There are typically 4-6 screws securing this cover. Lift the cover upward and away from the vehicle to expose the cooling fan assembly.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan motor electrical connector on the driver side of the fan shroud. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the fan motor. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove wire harness retaining clips
   Remove any wire ties or retaining clips securing the cooling fan wiring harness to the fan shroud or radiator. Use side cutters to carefully cut zip ties if present. The harness must be free to allow fan assembly removal.
7. 7

   Remove fan assembly mounting bolts
   Remove the four mounting bolts securing the cooling fan shroud assembly to the radiator. Two bolts are located at the top of the shroud and two at the bottom. Use a 10mm socket to remove these bolts. Support the fan assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt.
   ⚠The fan assembly is awkward and moderately heavy. Support it carefully to avoid dropping it onto radiator fins or hoses.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Carefully lift the cooling fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. The assembly must clear the radiator and condenser without contacting the fins. Tilt slightly if needed but avoid forcing. Set the assembly on a clean work surface.
9. 9

   Remove fan motor from shroud (if replacing motor only)
   If replacing only the motor and reusing the shroud, remove the three fan motor mounting bolts from the back of the shroud using an 8mm socket. Separate the motor assembly from the shroud. Transfer the fan blade to the new motor if it is not included with the replacement part.
   Torque spec

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

    Install new cooling fan motor
    If replacing motor only, position the new motor into the shroud and align the mounting holes. Install the three fan motor bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the motor spins freely and the fan blade does not contact the shroud at any point of rotation.
    Torque spec

    Fan Motor Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install cooling fan assembly into vehicle
    Carefully lower the cooling fan and shroud assembly into position on the radiator. Align the mounting tabs on the shroud with the brackets on the radiator. Ensure the lower tabs are properly seated before installing bolts.
12. 12

    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Install the four mounting bolts securing the fan shroud to the radiator. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque all mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector and secure harness
    Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connector to the motor, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Route the wiring harness as noted during removal and secure with new zip ties to prevent contact with moving parts or hot surfaces.
14. 14

    Reinstall upper radiator cover
    Position the upper radiator cover onto the radiator assembly and install all retaining screws. Torque screws to specification. Ensure the cover is seated evenly and does not interfere with fan blade rotation.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect coolant overflow hose
    Reconnect the coolant overflow hose to the reservoir neck. Slide the hose fully onto the nipple, then position the spring clamp over the connection point. Ensure the clamp is properly seated to prevent leaks.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the air intake components and engine cover in reverse order of removal
2. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely
3. Refill the cooling system with Honda Type 2 coolant as needed to bring level to the MAX mark on the reservoir
4. Install and tighten the radiator cap securely

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature while monitoring for coolant leaks around the overflow hose connection
• Verify the cooling fan activates when the engine reaches operating temperature (typically 195-205°F)
• Listen for any unusual noises from the fan motor during operation
• Check that the fan turns off when coolant temperature drops below the activation threshold
• Verify coolant level in the reservoir remains at the proper level after the engine has cooled
• Confirm no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster

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