Cooling Fan Motor

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan motor assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radiator drain plug O-ring × 1 — 90301-10012 or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and allow engine to cool for at least 2 hours
2. Open hood and secure with prop rod
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
4. Place drain pan beneath radiator drain plug
5. Remove engine undercover if equipped

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Locate the radiator drain plug on the driver's side lower corner of the radiator. Slowly open the drain plug and allow coolant to drain into the pan. Once drained, remove and inspect the O-ring on the drain plug. Replace if damaged or hardened.
2. 2

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the radiator. Use pliers to squeeze and slide the spring clamp away from the connection point. Twist and pull the hose off the radiator neck. Be prepared for residual coolant to drain.
3. 3

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan motor electrical connector on the fan shroud assembly. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. On some models, you may need to unclip the wiring harness from retaining clips on the shroud.
4. 4

   Remove fan shroud mounting bolts
   Remove the two upper mounting bolts securing the fan shroud assembly to the radiator using a 10mm socket. These bolts are located at the top left and top right of the shroud. Note the position of any bracket hardware for reinstallation.
   ⚠Support the fan shroud assembly while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling and damaging radiator fins.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Carefully lift the cooling fan shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. The bottom of the shroud has tabs that rest in slots on the lower radiator support. Tilt the assembly slightly toward the engine to clear the radiator, then lift out. Inspect radiator fins for damage during removal.
6. 6

   Remove fan motor from shroud
   With the fan assembly on a clean work surface, locate the three fan motor mounting bolts on the back of the shroud. Remove these bolts using a 10mm socket and separate the motor from the shroud. Note the orientation of the motor for proper reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Fan Motor Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new fan motor to shroud
   Position the new cooling fan motor onto the shroud in the same orientation as the original. Align the mounting holes and install the three fan motor bolts. Torque the bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even mounting pressure.
   Torque spec

   Fan Motor Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install fan assembly into vehicle
   Carefully lower the fan shroud assembly into the engine bay, guiding the bottom tabs into the slots on the lower radiator support. Ensure the assembly sits flush against the radiator mounting points and that no wiring is pinched between the shroud and radiator.
9. 9

   Install shroud mounting bolts
   Install the two upper mounting bolts through the shroud and into the radiator support brackets. Hand-tighten both bolts first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector and hose
    Reconnect the cooling fan motor electrical connector until it clicks into place. Secure any wiring harness clips to the shroud. Reconnect the upper radiator hose to the radiator neck and position the spring clamp over the connection point, ensuring it is past the bead on the radiator neck.
11. 11

    Close radiator drain and refill coolant
    Install the radiator drain plug with a new O-ring. Close the drain plug securely. Slowly refill the cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) through the radiator cap opening. Fill until coolant is visible at the base of the filler neck. Also fill the coolant reservoir to the FULL line.
12. 12

    Bleed cooling system
    With the radiator cap still off, reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the heater to maximum temperature and fan speed. As the engine warms, coolant level will drop; add coolant as needed. Once the thermostat opens and coolant circulates (upper hose becomes hot), continue running until the cooling fan cycles on and off at least twice. Shut off engine and allow to cool, then recheck coolant level and top off as needed. Install radiator cap.
    ⚠Stay clear of the cooling fan during this procedure. The fan will cycle on automatically when coolant temperature reaches operating threshold.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine undercover if equipped
2. Verify all tools and materials are removed from engine bay
3. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks from radiator hose or drain plug
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling fan operates automatically
• Check for abnormal noise or vibration from the cooling fan during operation
• Verify coolant level is at the FULL mark on the reservoir when engine is cold
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge for normal operation

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