Cooling Fan Motor

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan motor on a 2007 Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fan shroud mounting clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Open hood and secure in raised position
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
5. Take photos of fan shroud and wiring routing for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove upper radiator hose support bracket
   Locate the upper radiator hose support bracket attached to the fan shroud. Remove the fasteners securing this bracket and set aside for reinstallation. This provides clearance to work on the fan shroud.
2. 2

   Remove fan shroud upper mounting bolts
   Locate the upper fan shroud mounting bolts at the top of the radiator support. There are typically two to four bolts securing the upper portion of the shroud. Remove these bolts completely and set aside. On some configurations, push-type clips may also be present at the top of the shroud.
3. 3

   Release fan shroud lower mounting tabs
   The lower portion of the fan shroud engages with tabs or slots at the bottom of the radiator. Carefully lift the shroud upward while gently pulling it forward to disengage these lower mounting points. You may need to tilt the shroud slightly to clear the radiator and fan assembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect cooling fan motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector for the cooling fan motor. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull apart to disconnect. The connector is typically located on the passenger side of the fan motor housing. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove fan blade assembly from motor
   With the shroud loosened, access the fan blade center nut. The nut secures the fan blade to the motor shaft. Hold the motor shaft steady (or have an assistant hold the blade carefully) and remove the center nut. This is a standard right-hand thread hub nut; turn counterclockwise to loosen while holding the pulley/hub with the appropriate holding tool. Remove the fan blade assembly and set aside carefully.
6. 6

   Remove fan motor mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts that secure the fan motor to the fan shroud. There are typically three or four bolts around the perimeter of the motor housing. Remove all mounting bolts and carefully extract the fan motor from the shroud.
7. 7

   Install new fan motor to shroud
   Position the new cooling fan motor into the fan shroud mounting location. Align all mounting bolt holes and install the mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Tighten the mounting bolts in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating of the motor.
8. 8

   Install fan blade to new motor
   Position the fan blade assembly onto the new motor shaft, ensuring any alignment keys or flats are properly engaged. Install the fan drive hub nut and torque to the manufacturer specification (right-hand thread; tighten clockwise) while holding the hub with the appropriate tool. Verify the fan blade spins freely without wobble or contact with the shroud.
9. 9

   Reconnect fan motor electrical connector
   Route the wiring harness as noted during disassembly and reconnect the electrical connector to the fan motor. Ensure the locking tab clicks into place securely. Verify the connection is tight and the harness is not pinched or in contact with moving parts.
10. 10

    Reinstall fan shroud assembly
    Position the fan shroud back into place, engaging the lower mounting tabs or slots first. Ensure the shroud is properly seated against the radiator mounting points. Install the upper shroud mounting bolts and tighten securely. Reinstall any push-type clips if equipped.
11. 11

    Reinstall radiator hose support bracket
    Reinstall the upper radiator hose support bracket that was removed in step 1. Secure with the original fasteners and ensure the bracket properly supports the radiator hose.

Reassembly

1. Verify all shroud mounting bolts and clips are properly installed and tightened
2. Confirm fan blade spins freely without interference or unusual noise
3. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and wiring is properly routed away from moving parts
4. Reconnect negative battery cable

Verification

• Start the engine and allow to idle
• Turn on air conditioning to maximum setting to trigger fan operation
• Verify cooling fan runs smoothly without unusual noise, vibration, or wobble
• Check that fan cycles on and off appropriately as engine temperature changes
• Visually confirm no contact between fan blade and shroud during operation
• Verify no coolant leaks from radiator after shroud reinstallation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle