Cooling Fan Motor

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the radiator cooling fan motor on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator cooling fan motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radiator drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (wait at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes before proceeding
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover to release clips
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain plug on driver side of radiator

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Remove the radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure. Locate the radiator drain plug on the lower driver side of the radiator. Open the drain plug and allow coolant to drain into pan. Once drained, reinstall drain plug with new washer.
2. 2

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the radiator. Squeeze the spring clamp with pliers and slide back approximately 2 inches. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull off the radiator neck. Position the hose upward to minimize coolant spillage.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect fan motor electrical connector
   Locate the fan motor electrical connector on the driver side of the fan shroud. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight out from the fan motor. Secure the wire harness away from the work area.
   Torque spec

   Electrical Connector5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove fan shroud mounting bolts
   Remove the two upper mounting bolts securing the fan shroud to the radiator support using a 10mm socket. Remove the two lower mounting bolts from the bottom of the shroud. Support the fan assembly as you remove the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove fan shroud assembly
   Carefully lift the fan shroud assembly upward and out of the engine bay. Tilt the assembly slightly toward the engine side to clear the radiator. Be careful not to damage radiator fins or AC condenser during removal. Place assembly on clean work surface.
6. 6

   Remove fan motor from shroud
   With the shroud on your work surface, locate the three fan motor mounting bolts on the back side of the shroud. Remove the bolts using an 8mm socket. Carefully separate the fan motor from the shroud, supporting the fan blade to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   Fan Motor Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new fan motor to shroud
   Position the new fan motor into the shroud opening, ensuring the electrical connector location matches the original orientation. Align the mounting holes and install the three fan motor mounting bolts. Torque bolts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Fan Motor Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install fan shroud assembly
   Carefully lower the fan shroud assembly into the engine bay, tilting slightly to clear the radiator and AC condenser. Align the mounting tabs with the radiator support brackets. Ensure no wires or hoses are pinched behind the shroud.
9. 9

   Install shroud mounting bolts
   Install the two lower mounting bolts first, leaving them slightly loose. Install the two upper mounting bolts. Once all four bolts are started, torque all mounting bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the fan motor electrical connector to the fan motor, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked. Do not overtighten the connector.
    Torque spec

    Electrical Connector5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect upper radiator hose
    Slide the upper radiator hose onto the radiator neck, ensuring it is fully seated against the stop ridge. Position the spring clamp over the hose connection area and release to secure. Verify hose is properly seated.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill cooling system
    Fill the radiator with Honda Type 2 coolant through the radiator cap opening until coolant reaches the base of the filler neck. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX line. Install the radiator cap.
13. 13

    Bleed cooling system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature with the heater on maximum. Monitor coolant level in reservoir and add as needed. Watch for leaks around the upper radiator hose connection.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly until all clips engage
2. Check coolant level in reservoir after engine has cooled and top off if necessary to MAX line
3. Dispose of old coolant according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Start engine and verify cooling fan operates when engine reaches normal operating temperature (typically 195-205°F)
• With engine running, turn on air conditioning and verify fan operates at high speed
• Check for coolant leaks around radiator hose connections and drain plug
• Verify no abnormal noise from cooling fan during operation
• Confirm coolant level in reservoir remains at MAX line after test drive

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