cooling
Cooling Fan Assembly
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.6 h
Tools
8
Steps
12
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine, including the fan shroud and fan clutch or electric fan motor.
Warnings
⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot coolant and metal components can cause severe burns.
⚠The cooling fan has sharp edges. Use care when handling to avoid cuts.
⚠Fan blades can be brittle and may crack if struck. Handle with care to prevent breakage.
ℹ️This vehicle may be equipped with either a mechanical fan clutch or electric fan depending on configuration. Verify your specific configuration before ordering parts.
Tools required
Socket set (metric)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Fan clutch wrench setEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Flat blade screwdriver
Drain panEssential
Pliers
Shop towels
Parts
- Cooling fan assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Fan shroud (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Fan clutch (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 2 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental fan engagement if electric fan equipped
- Place drain pan under radiator if coolant removal is necessary
- Remove engine cover if equipped for better access to upper radiator area
Procedure
- 1Access the cooling fan assemblyRemove the air intake duct from the air filter housing to the turbocharger inlet to provide access to the fan shroud mounting bolts. This typically requires loosening hose clamps at both ends and removing any retaining clips.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 2Disconnect fan electrical connector (if equipped)If your vehicle has an electric cooling fan, locate the electrical connector on the fan motor assembly. Press the release tab and disconnect the wiring harness. Route the harness away from the fan shroud area.ℹ️Mechanical fan clutch equipped vehicles will not have an electrical connector.
- 3Remove upper radiator hose (if necessary for clearance)On some configurations, the upper radiator hose may need to be loosened or removed for fan shroud clearance. Use pliers to compress and slide the hose clamps away from the connection points, then carefully twist and pull the hose free. Have a drain pan ready to catch any coolant spillage.⚠Even on a cool engine, some hot coolant may remain in the system. Allow additional cooling time if necessary.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 4Remove fan shroud mounting boltsLocate and remove the fan shroud mounting bolts that secure the shroud to the radiator support. There are typically 4-6 bolts around the perimeter of the shroud. Support the shroud and fan assembly as you remove the final bolts to prevent it from falling.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 5Remove fan clutch or fan motor assemblyFor mechanical fan clutch: Use the appropriate fan clutch wrench to hold the water pump pulley while turning the fan clutch nut counterclockwise (note: this may have left-hand threads on some applications - verify before applying force). For electric fan: Remove the mounting bolts securing the fan motor to the shroud. Carefully separate the fan assembly from the shroud.⚠Verify thread direction before attempting removal. Many mechanical fan clutches use left-hand (reverse) threads and turn clockwise to loosen.
- 6Remove fan shroud from vehicleWith the fan assembly removed or loosened, carefully lift the fan shroud upward and out of the engine bay. You may need to tilt or angle the shroud to clear the radiator and other components. Work slowly to avoid damaging the radiator fins or other nearby components.⚠The shroud is large and may be awkward to handle. Take care not to strike the radiator or A/C condenser during removal.
- 7Inspect componentsInspect the old fan assembly, fan clutch, and shroud for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Check the water pump pulley for play or roughness. Examine the radiator fins for damage that may have occurred. Verify the new fan assembly matches the original configuration.ℹ️If the water pump shows signs of leakage or bearing wear, consider replacing it during this service as the fan removal provides ideal access.
- 8Install new fan assembly to shroudIf installing a new mechanical fan clutch, thread it onto the water pump shaft by turning counterclockwise if left-hand threaded, or clockwise if standard threaded. Use the fan clutch wrench to tighten securely. If installing an electric fan, mount the fan motor to the shroud using the appropriate mounting hardware.ℹ️Do not fully tighten mechanical fan clutch yet if shroud installation requires the assembly to be loose.
- 9Install fan shroud assemblyCarefully lower the fan shroud (with fan attached if easier) into position in the engine bay. Align the shroud mounting holes with the radiator support mounting points. Ensure the shroud properly surrounds the fan blades and seats correctly against the radiator mounting tabs.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 10Secure fan shroud and final tighten fanInstall all fan shroud mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. If the mechanical fan clutch was left loose, now tighten it securely with the fan clutch wrench while holding the water pump pulley. Verify the fan spins freely without contacting the shroud or radiator.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect electrical and coolant systemReconnect the electric fan motor connector if equipped, ensuring it clicks into place. Reinstall the upper radiator hose if removed, positioning the hose clamps 1/4 inch from the hose end and tightening to specification. Refill cooling system with Mopar OAT Purple coolant as needed.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall air intake and final checksReinstall the air intake duct between the air filter housing and turbocharger, ensuring all connections are secure and hose clamps are tightened properly. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Double-check that all tools have been removed from the engine bay and all fasteners are tight.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Verify all cooling system connections are secure and hose clamps are properly tightened
- Check that the fan spins freely without any interference or rubbing
- Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
- Confirm coolant level is correct and system has been bled of air if opened
Verification
- Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks from hose connections
- For mechanical fan clutch: Listen for proper fan engagement as engine warms up - fan should increase in speed as coolant temperature rises
- For electric fan: Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify fan cycles on automatically at approximately 215-220°F
- Verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or rubbing from the fan assembly during operation
- Check that engine reaches normal operating temperature and does not overheat during a test drive
- Recheck coolant level after test drive and top off if necessary