This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan assembly on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine cooling fan assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radiator mounting bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Upper radiator hose clamp (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery terminal
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on four corners to release grommets
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock on driver side lower corner of radiator

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Open the radiator drain petcock located at the lower driver side corner of the radiator by turning counterclockwise. Drain approximately 2 quarts of coolant into the drain pan. Close the petcock hand-tight when coolant level is below the upper radiator hose connection.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the top passenger side of the radiator. Use a flat blade screwdriver to expand the spring clamp and slide it back onto the hose approximately 2 inches. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull it straight off the radiator neck. Allow residual coolant to drain.
   ⚠Do not pry on the radiator neck as it can crack easily. Twist and pull only.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the passenger side of the fan shroud assembly. Press the red locking tab and pull the connector straight out to disconnect. Move the wiring harness aside and ensure it will not interfere with fan removal.
4. 4

   Remove upper fan shroud mounting bolts
   Remove the two 10mm bolts securing the top of the fan shroud to the radiator. These bolts are located at the top left and top right corners of the shroud assembly. Keep these bolts organized as they will be reused.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower fan shroud mounting bolts
   Remove the two 10mm bolts securing the bottom of the fan shroud to the radiator. These are accessed from above and may require an extension. The bolts thread into metal clips on the radiator frame.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Carefully lift the entire cooling fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. The assembly will clear the radiator and engine once lifted approximately 6 inches. Tilt slightly toward the passenger side if needed to clear the upper radiator hose connection point. Set the assembly on a clean work surface.
   ⚠The fan assembly is bulky but lightweight. Avoid contacting radiator fins or AC condenser during removal as they are fragile.
7. 7

   Install new cooling fan assembly
   Lower the new cooling fan and shroud assembly into position, ensuring the lower mounting tabs align with the radiator frame mounting points. Guide the assembly straight down, keeping it clear of the radiator core and AC condenser. Ensure the fan blades are centered within the shroud opening and do not contact the shroud.
8. 8

   Install lower mounting bolts
   Thread in the two lower 10mm mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Tighten bolts using a torque wrench to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install upper mounting bolts
   Install the two upper 10mm mounting bolts and torque to specification. Verify the fan shroud is seated properly against the radiator mounting surface with no gaps.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connector to the fan motor. Push firmly until the red locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated.
11. 11

    Reconnect upper radiator hose
    Slide the upper radiator hose fully onto the radiator neck until it seats against the stop bead. Position the spring clamp over the hose connection point. If replacing with a traditional worm-drive clamp, position it 1/4 inch from the end of the hose and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Refill coolant system
    Add Mopar OAT Purple coolant through the radiator cap opening until the level reaches the bottom of the filler neck. Install the radiator cap. Add additional coolant to the overflow reservoir to bring level to the COLD MAX mark. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the heater on high to purge air from the system.
    ⚠Only use Mopar OAT Purple coolant. Mixing coolant types can cause system damage and void warranty.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets with ball studs and pressing down firmly on all four corners
2. Reconnect negative battery cable and torque to 5 Nm if applicable
3. After initial heat cycle, recheck coolant level when engine is cold and top off as needed

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the cooling fan operates when the engine reaches approximately 215°F (normal operating temperature)
• Check for coolant leaks around the upper radiator hose connection
• Verify no unusual noise or vibration from the fan assembly during operation
• Confirm coolant level is at proper mark on overflow reservoir when engine is cold
• Test cooling fan operation at idle and verify proper airflow direction (pulling air through radiator toward engine)

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