Cooling Fan Clutch Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fluid is enclosed in the cooling fan clutch and at its center front, there is a bimetal whose thermal reaction and the engine speed control the cooling fan speed.

The relation between the temperature detected by the fan clutch and operation of the fan clutch is as follows.

While the fan clutch detects a temperature lower than 50°C, it remains OFF and the fan revolution speed is constant (400 to 900 r/min. (rpm)) regardless of the engine speed. As the temperature reaches 50°C to 70°C, the fan clutch turns ON gradually and the fan revolution speed increases.

A temperature exceeding 70°C causes the fan clutch to turn ON and the fan revolution speed to increase in proportion with the engine speed.

Once the engine speed exceeds 4000 r/min. (rpm), however, the fan revolution speed becomes constant (2350 to 2650 r/min. (rpm)).

NOTE: Do not disassemble fan clutch.

Fig 1: Identifying Cooling Fan & Cooling Fan Components

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.