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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fan shroud upper seal (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 surface and set parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes to allow airbag system to discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover (press-fit mounting)
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain partial coolant
   Open radiator drain petcock located on passenger side lower corner of radiator. Drain approximately 2 quarts of coolant into drain pan. Close petcock hand-tight once coolant level is below upper radiator hose connection.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Using pliers or flathead screwdriver, release spring clamp on upper radiator hose at radiator connection. Slide clamp back on hose. Twist hose gently to break seal, then pull hose off radiator neck. Allow residual coolant to drain.
   ⚠Some coolant spillage is normal. Ensure drain pan is positioned to catch fluid.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan motor electrical connector on the passenger side of the fan shroud. Press the red locking tab and pull connector apart. Route connector away from fan assembly.
4. 4

   Remove upper radiator shroud bolts
   Remove two 10mm bolts securing upper radiator shroud to lower shroud at the top corners. These bolts are accessed from the engine bay above the radiator.
5. 5

   Release shroud mounting tabs
   Lift upper radiator shroud assembly (with fan motor attached) straight up to disengage two lower mounting tabs from slots in the lower shroud. Tilt assembly slightly toward engine and lift out of engine bay. Be careful not to damage radiator fins.
   ⚠The fan shroud assembly is bulky. Remove carefully to avoid hitting radiator or A/C condenser.
6. 6

   Remove fan motor from shroud
   Place shroud assembly on clean work surface with fan motor facing up. Remove three 13mm bolts securing fan motor to shroud. The bolts pass through rubber isolation mounts. Lift fan motor and blade assembly out of shroud.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new fan motor
   Position new fan motor into upper shroud, ensuring rubber isolation mounts align with mounting holes. Install three 13mm bolts and torque to specification. Verify fan blade rotates freely without binding or interference.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall shroud assembly
   Carefully lower fan shroud assembly into engine bay. Align lower mounting tabs with slots in lower shroud and push down firmly until tabs engage. Install two 10mm upper shroud bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification.
9. 9

   Reconnect upper radiator hose
   Slide upper radiator hose onto radiator neck until fully seated. Position spring clamp over connection point and squeeze to install. Ensure clamp is positioned correctly within groove on radiator neck.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connector and refill coolant
    Connect cooling fan electrical connector until locking tab clicks. Remove radiator cap and add Mopar OAT Purple coolant to bring level to FULL COLD mark. Do not overfill. Install radiator cap.
11. 11

    Bleed cooling system
    Reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with heater on high. Monitor temperature gauge. Once thermostat opens, check coolant level and add as necessary. Check for leaks at upper radiator hose connection.
    ⚠Do not remove radiator cap when engine is hot. Allow to cool if additional coolant is needed.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and locked
2. Check that fan shroud is fully seated and upper bolts are tight
3. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly
4. Double-check coolant level after first drive cycle when engine is cold

Verification

• Start engine and verify cooling fan operates when A/C is turned on
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify fan cycles on automatically
• Check for coolant leaks around upper radiator hose connection
• Verify no unusual noise or vibration from fan motor during operation
• Confirm cooling system maintains proper operating temperature (195-220°F)

More procedures for this vehicle