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Common Symptoms of a Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

By R&D
Published on January 27th, 2025

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The Condenser Fan Motor is a critical component in the Air Conditioning (AC) system. Its purpose is to drive the fan that cools the condenser coil. This process helps the system release heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the condenser. If the Condenser Fan Motor fails, the condenser coil can overheat and fail to cool the refrigerant. This will lead to a significant drop in the AC system's efficiency and potentially will cause it to shut down.

Modern vehicles often use a dual-function cooling fan to manage engine and AC refrigerant temperatures simultaneously. Controlled by the ECM, this fan optimizes airflow through the radiator and AC condenser, enhancing cooling efficiency. Despite its vital role, the condenser fan motor's function often goes overlooked until it malfunctions. This article highlights the common symptoms of a malfunctioning Condenser Fan Motor, providing insight into potential problems and their underlying causes.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

What Causes Condenser Fan Motor Failures?

Physical Damage: Physical damage from vibrations, installation errors, and collisions leading to bending or breaking of fan blades, motor mounts, or the fan motor housing can all contribute to Condenser Fan Motor failures in vehicles. .

Electrical Malfunction: Loose, corroded, or oxidized electrical connections or overheated motor windings can cause intermittent electrical contact and short circuits within the motor, leading to failure.

Age and Wear: Over time, normal AC system can cause the materials and components within the motor to degrade due to fatigue and continuous use, accelerating wear and reducing its lifespan.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminates

A malfunctioning Condenser Fan Motor will reduce AC system efficiency and trigger the vehicle's Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) system to illuminate the MIL and store a corresponding Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory. An Innova Scan Tool can quickly identify which DTC has caused the MIL to illuminate.

Increased Heat Air from Vents

The Condenser Fan Motor is responsible for cooling the condenser coil. If it malfunctions, the condenser coil will overheat, causing it to lose its ability to convert the refrigerant into a cooled liquid form. The presence of warm air from the vents is typically an early indication that the Condenser Fan Motor may not be functioning properly.

Burning Smell

When the Condenser Fan Motor fails, the condenser overheats, leading to overheating of all the components of the AC system. Eventually the components will get hot enough to burn and emit a smell.

Car Overheating

If the Condenser Fan Motor fails to operate properly, the AC condenser will produce significant heat, especially at idle or at low speed. Overheating can activate safety features such as thermal overload protection and shutting down the compressor to prevent damage. This overheating diminishes when the vehicle is in motion, as increased airflow helps cool the condenser effectively.

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Identify A Faulty Condenser Fan Motor with the Innova Scan Tool

The Innova Scan Tool is an invaluable diagnostic tool that quickly identifies vehicle system issues. It aids in diagnosing and resolving problems related to Condenser Fan Motor by retrieving and identifying DTCs associated with it. This tool effectively diagnoses Condenser Fan Motor-related issues, helping you pinpoint and resolve problems effectively.