This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan clutch assembly on the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine cooling fan clutch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Mopar OAT coolant (if needed for top-off) × 1 — 68051212AC or equivalent

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch (wait at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental fan engagement
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on four corners to release grommets
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock on passenger side lower radiator tank

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Open the radiator drain petcock on the lower passenger side of the radiator by turning counterclockwise. Drain approximately 2-3 quarts of coolant into the drain pan until the level is below the upper radiator hose connection. Close petcock hand-tight when complete.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the radiator. Loosen the hose clamp by turning the screw counterclockwise or squeezing the spring clamp with pliers. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull it off the radiator neck. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into the pan.
   ⚠Some coolant will spill when removing the hose. Have shop towels ready.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove fan shroud mounting bolts
   Remove the four 10mm bolts securing the upper fan shroud to the radiator support. Two bolts are located at the top corners of the shroud, and two are positioned at the lower sides. Keep these bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Tilt fan shroud away from radiator
   Carefully tilt the upper portion of the fan shroud rearward toward the engine, creating clearance to access the fan clutch. The shroud does not need to be completely removed, just repositioned to allow wrench access. Support the shroud so it doesn't fall back into position.
   ⚠Be careful not to damage radiator fins when repositioning the shroud.
5. 5

   Remove fan clutch assembly from water pump
   Using the 36mm fan clutch wrench, position it on the fan clutch nut at the center of the fan assembly. Hold the water pump pulley steady (it may be necessary to have an assistant hold it or wedge it). Turn the wrench CLOCKWISE to loosen (left-hand threads). Once loose, unthread the fan clutch completely by hand and remove the fan and clutch assembly together.
   ⚠Fan clutch has LEFT-HAND (reverse) threads. Turn CLOCKWISE to loosen.
   ℹ️The fan blade assembly is balanced with the clutch and should be replaced as a unit.
6. 6

   Inspect water pump drive shaft
   With the fan clutch removed, inspect the water pump drive shaft threads for damage, debris, or coolant leakage. Clean the threads with a shop towel. Check for any wobble or play in the water pump shaft bearing, which would indicate water pump failure requiring separate repair.
   ℹ️If coolant is leaking from the water pump weep hole or shaft shows play, the water pump requires replacement before proceeding.
7. 7

   Install new fan clutch assembly
   Thread the new fan clutch assembly onto the water pump shaft by hand, turning COUNTERCLOCKWISE (left-hand threads). Thread it on until it contacts the water pump pulley face, then use the 36mm fan clutch wrench to tighten it firmly. Tighten to manufacturer specification by turning counterclockwise until snug, then an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn.
   ⚠Fan clutch uses LEFT-HAND threads. Turn COUNTERCLOCKWISE to tighten.
   ℹ️Do not use impact tools on fan clutch. Hand tighten with wrench only.
8. 8

   Reinstall fan shroud
   Position the fan shroud back into its normal position around the fan assembly, ensuring the fan blades are centered in the shroud opening with adequate clearance on all sides. Install the four 10mm mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect upper radiator hose
   Slide the upper radiator hose back onto the radiator neck, ensuring it is fully seated against the bead on the neck. Position the hose clamp over the connection point and tighten the clamp screw to specification. Ensure the hose is properly routed without kinks.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Refill and bleed cooling system
    Fill the radiator with Mopar OAT Purple coolant to the top of the radiator neck. Install the radiator cap. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX cold fill line. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the heater on high. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. Check for leaks around the water pump and radiator hose connection.
    ⚠Engine will be hot during bleeding process. Keep hands away from fan and moving components.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly at all four corners
2. Reconnect negative battery cable
3. Verify all tools and materials are removed from engine compartment
4. Clean up any spilled coolant with water and dispose of used coolant properly at a recycling center

Verification

• Start engine and verify fan clutch engages smoothly without abnormal noise or vibration
• Check that fan freewheels when engine is cold and engages firmly when engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify no coolant leaks from upper radiator hose or water pump area after reaching operating temperature
• Confirm cooling system maintains proper operating temperature (190-210°F) during test drive
• Listen for any rubbing sounds from fan contacting shroud during operation

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