cooling

Cooling Fan Relay

for 2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
4
Steps
7
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of the cooling fan relay in the engine compartment relay box on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with the 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Ensure engine is cool before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components
Removing the wrong relay can cause starting issues or other electrical problems - verify relay location before removal
ℹ️Disconnecting battery is optional for this procedure but recommended if testing with ignition on

Tools required

Needle-nose pliers or relay pullerEssential
10mm socket and ratchet
Flashlight or work light
Digital multimeter

Parts

  • Cooling fan relay × 1 — 90987-02028 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and turn off engine
  2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
  3. Open and secure hood in raised position
  4. If desired, disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical faults during relay replacement

Procedure

  1. 1
    Locate the engine compartment relay box
    The main relay box is located on the driver's side of the engine bay, near the battery. It is a black rectangular box with a removable cover labeled with relay positions.
  2. 2
    Remove relay box cover
    Press the tab(s) on the relay box cover and lift upward to remove. The cover may have a relay diagram on the underside showing relay positions and functions.
  3. 3
    Identify cooling fan relay location
    Locate the cooling fan relay using the diagram on the relay box cover or owner's manual. The cooling fan relay is typically labeled as 'COOLING FAN' or 'FAN' and is usually positioned in the front row of relays. Note the orientation of the relay before removal.
  4. 4
    Remove the old cooling fan relay
    Using needle-nose pliers or a relay puller, grasp the relay firmly and pull straight upward with steady pressure. Do not rock the relay side to side as this may damage the socket terminals. The relay should release from its socket with moderate force.
  5. 5
    Inspect relay socket and terminals
    Examine the relay socket for corrosion, bent terminals, or heat damage. Check that all terminal contacts are present and properly aligned. If corrosion is present, clean terminals with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry completely.
  6. 6
    Install new cooling fan relay
    Align the new relay with the socket, ensuring proper orientation by matching the relay terminal configuration with the socket. Push the relay straight down into the socket until it seats fully with an audible click. The relay should be flush with surrounding relays.
  7. 7
    Reinstall relay box cover
    Position the relay box cover over the relay box and press down firmly until all tabs engage and the cover is fully seated. Ensure the cover is secure and properly latched.

Reassembly

  1. If battery was disconnected, reconnect negative battery terminal and ensure connection is tight
  2. Close hood securely

Verification

  • Start the engine and allow it to idle
  • Turn on air conditioning to maximum setting - the cooling fan should activate within 30-60 seconds
  • Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling fan cycles on and off appropriately
  • Listen for normal fan operation without unusual clicking or buzzing from the relay
  • Check for any warning lights on instrument cluster related to cooling system
  • If available, use a scan tool to check for any cooling system related fault codes
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More procedures for this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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