2002-2006 Honda CRV Cooling Fan Switch Replacement - Overheating Diagnosis and Repair

How to troubleshoot your overheating issue on your 2002-2006 Honda CRV. This video also applies to other Honda vehicles with the 2.4 engine such as the Honda Element and Accord. In my case, as is the case a lot of the time, I needed a new engine fan temperature switch, which is located on the radiator. The part number for the switch I needed was 37760-P00-003, which is correct for UK made CRV's . If you have a Japan origin CRV, you may need the 004 part number.

[@6b5Tube]

I’m impressed with your car’s cleanness. Unbelievable

[@WalkerSnap]

Yeah it's wayyy to clean

[@jcherokee]

Excellent video... I replaced my radiator in a 2005 CR-V including new coolant only to find out that the cooling fans would not come on. Used your troubleshooting steps, jumped the connection and the fans started right up... I'm glad I found this video... Thanks for posting it...

[@taraland21]

This is one of the best informative straight to the point videos ive watched. Nobody could tell me what was wrong with my car and thanks to watching your video i should be able to do it on my own. My part should be here today. So a a big thank you to you from me!!!!

[@shanealarcon7928]

Will have to try that

[@dianapena1743]

I’m having the same problem fans aren’t operating but I am truly grateful& thankful to you for passing along helpful mechanical tips for all to get back on the road

[@purojoselito]

Very nice job you hit every aspect of it from trouble shooting to installation including how to get the right part, thank you

[@Redmenace96]

Very, very good video! Short, to the point, perfect narration, perfect framing. You helped me immensely!!!! Thank you.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Thanks for the comment

[@TrinidaddyGdom]

Wow this made everything so much more simple. A+

[@GHOST-yz8wc]

I’m truly thankful. watching this video helped me fix my crv

[@jamesk.herder624]

Your video was very helpful. I have a 04 Accord with the same problem. I've tryed everything to repair the problem, no success. Your solution is my last resort. I hope it solves my problem.

[@headsheeting3537]

This probably solved my high temp issue. Thanks bud!

[@gomberasibanda7097]

Excellent... Straight to the point in tge most effective way

[@krekre806]

you are a very professional presenter and speaker --- one of the best I have ever heard --- I mean it --- have you ever considered pursing public speaking? it is an interesting field and big business --- car related companies would pay BIG bucks to have you represent them --- i would be happy to discuss this with you ... just lemme know and i'll contact you ... best to you and your family

[@niconico8278]

Thank you man for the video it was smart the way your wife managed the situation.

[@Drixels269]

I have the same issue with the 04 CRV. I’ll try to fix it myself.Thank You ...

[@jeanbrown9954]

THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED WITH MY 2009 CRV AND THAT'S WHY I'M HERE. MY BABY'S DAD HAS HAD MY TRUCK FOR 3 WKS. I BOUGHT FANS, THEN A COMPRESSOR; FANS ARE NOT COMING ON. AND I'M BOUGHT TO SEND HIM THIS VIDEO.

[@siachen6680]

When that guy becomes your baby's dad, don't trust him with your vehicle 😂😂😂

[@amermalik4207]

Very nice video sir thanks for making great helping video solving my 2004 crv issue thanks.

[@Ruben901]

Here is a tip i just learned today after spending $200 on new radiator fans that would not turn when the needle goes to H. Check the 10 Amp fuses under the steering wheel column fuse panel, i foujd one that was fried and replaced it. Hey, at least i have new fans now.

[@MsBeefus]

Thanks great video , my fans run, did the test. Rad looks a little beat up lower half, where rocks and debris hit and dent the coils .

[@qray7873]

Thanks for the video. Had the same issue.its just a bad radiator fan switch.

[@permadiwinata6443]

Great content bro, I also have similar issue with my Civic 1.7 ECT sensor, at the first I suspected the root cause was on ECT after use cable to jumper the socket. The fan automatically working but I'm not confident then I check all of fans, rellay, and also wire an finally my 1st suspect is true then I'm going to replace this ECT sensor. I wasted my time to 2double confirm 😁

[@deegonzalez3617]

now I know what to do... ;) thank you for this video...

[@noelgatdula1202]

Thank you for the video. Very informative.

[@billybee5205]

Great video! Im curious which fan is which. The radiator fan is near the battery while the ac is passenger side? I turned on the AC and the fan near the battery works, but the fan shroud is thicker than the passenger side. I thought the radiator fan would be thicker than the ac fan.

[@CHUEYINK]

Sidenote, after you finish installing the coolant fan switch, let it run. it’s gonna take a while. My fans didn’t kick in until about 20 minutes.

[@EddieNYC02]

Your crv looks amazing 🤩

[@deabreurich6430]

I have a similar problem like yours. I tested aircon fan with direct connection from battery and its working. Then, I did the same for the radiator and it didn't work. I then, jumpered the Coolent switch with a clip n nothing happened. Any thoughts? Thanks

[@leonardodavinci303]

Very nicely done video. I own two 2nd gen CRVs (2004 and 2006) and work on them myself and have posted a few videos. On these 2nd gen CRVs when you change the coolant it may initially overheat due to air trapping (no blled valve anywhere). Do you have any special technique for changing coolant to avoid this issue?

[@leonardodavinci303]

Addendum: My solution is to initially run the vehicle with the radiator cap on at the first click (so not tight all the way). Then park on an uphill grade or front up on ramps. Let sit for ten minutes. Turn cap all the way on. Test drive. If hot, repeat the previous on first click. (BE ULTRA CAREFUL NOT TO LOOSEN ALL THE WAY). Just seems this should be easier to do.

[@pweeloco510]

This just happened to me today will be checking the relay first and go on as your video

[@pweeloco510]

Hi i did all your testing and my fans won't go on check fuses relays ,jump the fans .and won't go on ,any other thing i can check before replacing the fans ?

[@CHUEYINK]

Is there one or two temp sensors? Is there one on the thermostat??

[@CarlosLOPEZcerocinco]

Excellent job. I was able to pin point the problem. Thank you for making helpful videos like this.

[@barnadoolivares5212]

Thank you for the videos.

[@WalkerSnap]

Do you really need a 24 inch socket? Is it possible to get at with a wrench?

[@alphanumeric1529]

Does/did both of your fans come on when you hit 212/? Or just the radiator fan? We have a 2005 Crv, and I think we exploded (literally, there is shrapnel all around the engine compartment, some aluminum shards are over an inch in size, but the shard size decreases all the way down to dust sized aluminum flakes) the AC compressor due to overheating in traffic. Looks like we have to completely replace every component/line in the AC system, major, major $$$. I'm trying to diagnose why the cr-v overheated in traffic... it is clear the fan didn't come on, but it's not clear why. I *think* it is because of a bad relay or two. I sent 12v to the radiator fan, and it spun up like a champ. I can't reach the electrical connector for the condenser fan, so can't manually send it 12 volts to tell if it spins or not. I did the horn/radiator fan relay switch, and the fan did actually spin up after about a half hour of idling. PROTIP: close your hood if you're trying to get the temp up by idling in the cr-v - they have all these AC/overheating problems because of insufficient airflow in the undersized engine compartment. The engine will vent most of its heat out the open hood. I idled the car for over 20 minutes with the hood up and the engine temp was apparently static (according to the guage), then figured out that I should close the hood, in less than 10 minutes, boom, the radiator fan came on. BUT, the AC condenser fan didn't come on. My question is, with the AC off, does the ac condenser fan also come on when the car hits 212 to bring down the engine temperature? I know most cars are this way. Can't find this answer so easily about this second gen Cr-v. I'm trying to determine if it was merely a bad radiator fan (and/or AC condenser fan) relay, or if the the engine temperature fan switch is bad. Seems like if I got the temp up and the radiator fan spins with the horn relay in the radiator fan relay spot, it is just the relay. But I don't know if the AC condenser fan is also supposed to spin when the engine gets up to 212. AND ALSO: The temperature gauge had to get above its normal location, at the bottom area of the temp gauge logo, below halfway up the gauge. But, when the fan came on, the needle was on the half way mark on the gauge. I've always run Hondas, and I know, they all run, when up to temp, at the exact same needle location, on the bottom area of the temp gauge logo. But for the fan to come on in my test, the needle had to go above that, up to the halfway mark. I'm a bit worried about that. In my experience, if the temp gauge ever goes above the bottom of the logo, it means there is an overheating issue. This suggests that maybe the fan temp switch actually IS going bad. Any suggestions? Maybe I'll need a scan tool to see real time data? More $$$! Any help appreciated, and I apologize for being long winded.

[@jamesguralski5156]

hi folks most of the Honda dealers have an online order place that you can save like 30 or 40% on parts and sometimes you can get them that day or the next day at your dealer

[@carlospelen9577]

hola buenas noches tengo una CR-V 2003 ya cambie thermoswich pero aumenta la temperatura sube un poquito mas de la mitad que devo hacer, lavo el radiador? o veo el termostato.

[@EddieNYC02]

I need some help, I have a crv honda 2006 and I see that the temperature gage is below normal it’s not on the middle but it’s less than that , is it The ECT Sensor that the Resistance is not working? What should I do.

[@user-rn5ft1id9t]

Appreciate your instruction

[@lucas956jolomcu]

good job my fiend 2003 crv no cooling fan turn on im getting hard time to found the problem

[@igotthis4mymrs]

Thanks. Q.where about a does your temperature gauge needle normally sit while running. Mine sits a little below half way?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Same

[@RudyWarman]

How do you get this all so clean?

[@mr.g8913]

I have question. It is normal That when not turn on the fan of aircon the radiator fan not working and if i turn on the fan that’s working.

[@erikwright197]

Did both fans come on at the end?? Or just one fan?

[@tomschmude4815]

When I did the 9turn on the max air conditioning test, only one fan turns on (driver's side turns on but not the passenger side) Is this OK/normal?? Thanks!

[@mjba852]

Thanks for info

[@joshuacronk9499]

Great video.

[@jinsidhu9599]

Thank you excellent KZbinr

[@K.habibChannel]

This worked for me thank you; however, I can’t get my ac compressor to turn on is there such a switch for that

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

There is a limit switch that if you are low on Freon it will not allow the compressor to come on

[@K.habibChannel]

Jack of All Master of None ok I will put Freon and see if the ac compressor kicks on

[@tyler-lastnameredacted-6391]

Very good video

[@Teraforce88]

When you turn the A/C on wit the engine off, are BOTH fans supposed to turn on? On my Mom's 2004 CR-V, the Condenser fan turns on, but not the radiator fan. I need to replace the condenser fan on it anyway because the bearings on it are shot and sometimes it won't turn on as a result.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I believe yes they should both turn on

[@Teraforce88]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone Thanks! We ended up replacing both fans, and they both turn on now with the A/C! Thanks for the advice!

[@davidrix804]

Hi friend,my radiator fan doesn’t work,but my condenser fan switches on when engine is hot,and my air con is turned off,the condenser fan seems to doing the work of radiator fan.checked fuses and ok,but haven’t switched relays as scared case break something,thank you can you help?🙏🙏🙏🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@millcitychris4303]

I try to jump the little plug with a small wire. And the the fans never came on. So what does that mean?

[@boratobama2639]

Отличное видео, все понятно, спасибо

[@joebagofdoe4762]

Great video Thank you!! Is there more than one sensor ? There is another guy on KZbin changing one at the top of engine on a 2003 . My issue is my temp gauge has been sitting in the lower range and not coming up to the temp where it should be which is in the lower middle range But I have no check engine light on so Im not sure which sensor to check or change??

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Is your thermostat stuck open?

[@joebagofdoe4762]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone I will check that and get back to you Thank you for the quick response!!

[@joebagofdoe4762]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone YES!!! Thats what is was !! Thank you so much for helping me!!!!

[@viktua1]

Ok so I did this with a clip and none of my fans turn on, also when I turn on the ac and I am in a constant driving is cool air, but if I stop like in a red light then start blowing hot air and my car is getting overheated. I need to resolve this because I work for United States Postal Service I am a Rural Mail Carrier and I use my car for delivering mail. So I need my car in good condition that way I can keep giving my customers excellent service and more during this Pandemic. Please can you tell me what could be the problem? And thank you in advance

[@nickbaker666]

Sounds like you might have a bad relay or blown fuse check those first and hit me back up

[@mikem3695]

You've left out one possibility. The connector plug itself may not be contacting the fan switch terminals, especially if the jumper was jammed into the plug forcing the terminals apart.

[@andnyue]

Mine 105 C fan start on. is that normal? (indicator under half).

[@jesusmadriz7571]

llo quiero saber si usted puede alludarme con mi auto crv 2005 me consume el agua del radiador y me sube temperatura

[@siachen6680]

The fan must kick in before the water boiling point....212f is too late. I have the same issue with the fan switch. In normal driving conditions, the engine never heats, but I do need the fa swith for when there is a load on the engine and in hot weather conditions and prolonged drive.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Coolant does not boil at 212 degrees, water does. When mixed with 50/50 coolant the boiling point is 223' F. The fan switch should activate anywhere between 196 degrees and 215 degrees Fahrenheit, well under the boiling point. Honda programs these vehicles to run hot for better emissions.

[@wisetv9132]

I have a 2007 honda crv i changed both fans and the waterpump . My car overheats only when its really hot out and iam standing in spot with out moving and when i turn on the ac wich is weird

[@APC9906]

Nice video

[@shanealarcon7928]

Wats that scan tool u have on your Fone

[@thy6780]

Got the same model, RD5/S9A/CRV Gen2 but without a heat core. There might be a tiny wrong diagnosis about "if upper radiator hose is hot, then the thermostat is working as it allows coolant from radiator to pass". Because the thermostat is located after the radiator outlet hose, and the venting hole at the "radiator side" of the double poppet or double acting thermostat will have allow minor flow to the block via water pump/water passage unit ( or degraded sealing of that radiator side of the thermostat, and also some heat transfer. I had my thermostat stucked at closed (radiator side of thermostat). Even so, the upper radiator hose is still hot to the touch/ too hot to touch. Better way is to use an IR thermal gun to measure the temperature at various positions or parts of the cooling system to get the differential temperature. The diagnosis is correct, if the thermostat is located before the upper radiator hose(radiator coolant inlet). At least, this is my current understanding which may not be 100% correct. Sharing this information, in hope that it can benefit other CRV owners. Nevertheless, this is a good informative video.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

You are somewhat correct. Many Hondas have a "different" lower radiator hose thermostat position that can make things a little trickier

[@thy6780]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone Yes, i was confused by the "backward" design too, which draws me to wrong diagnosis at one point of time. Keep up your good work on your KZbin Channel.👍

[@jayscast7164]

how many seconds the fans runs?

[@seanwhitworth750]

Great video, thanks for the info. I have a question - what if the radiator fan comes on fine with the A/C on, but the condenser fan doesn't come on at all?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Check to see if your AC clutch is actually engaging on the compressor. The fan runs off of the same circuit as the AC clutch. It will only turn on if the AC clutch is engaged.

[@FairwayJack]

My 2002 CRV's AC only blows cool when I'm moving ... when idling it is not cool ...do you think this could be the cooling fan switch as well ??

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Doubt it. There is a separate relay that activates another fan when the AC is on. Either your Fan is bad or there is a problem with the relay. Anytime the AC compressor is running the fan should be on

[@FairwayJack]

​@@JackofAllMasterofNone ....I tested my Relays ...all good ...so yeah, it's probably the 17 yr old fan. Thanks.

[@dimdraglife]

Do i need put coolant into overflow coolant bottle ? Because mine is almost empty

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Yes

[@Caitlin698]

I have an 02 Honda Civic EX. In january, some idiot forgot to screw my radiator cap back on completely, blew my cap and thermostat. So long story short, I have a new cap, thermostat and ECT sensor. I've had it bled a million times since then and pressurized, so I know there's no air pockets or leaks in my coolant. When I'm driving in town, I never have an issue. However, I notice if I get on the highway, going speeds of around 80, the second I slow down, get off on an exit, whatever, I almost instantly start to overheat. This leads me to believe it's my fans. Any suggestions?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

If your fans were bad it would overheat in traffic as well when sitting still. May be a head gasket issue if it overheated when it blew. May want to have cooling system pressure tested

[@kulitbulilit18]

When you insert the paper, should both fan be working or just one?

[@PrimeZelot96]

Both

[@thexflexclan]

I have the same scanner and today the coolant temperature was 235f so way higher then yours and still didn’t see the fans I noticed the fan switch is brand new but it’s not like the one you bought it looks like are one of those from Autozone

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

235 is too high

[@thexflexclan]

Jack of All Master of None I know I check the coolant fan switch already with the jumper and I see them kicks but I will take the car to my friend’s mechanic just to be safe I wanna get this car running 🏃 it can be dangerous to get stuck in traffic

[@JTurn916]

If I did the test with the relays and they were good and the paperclip test and the fans still did not come on, what does that mean?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Could be a wiring problem. Did the fans come on with the AC funning? If not, it is usually the fans thenselves have gone bad.

[@JTurn916]

Jack of All Master of None They did not. And yeah that’s what I was thinking also

[@dhaughn]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone How do you check to see if it is the wiring? Can you use a voltmeter to check for continuity between the switch and the relay? If yes, which pin on the relay?

[@octaviolozano6890]

Tried this on my 05 Accord 2.4L but no fans turn on... just when I run straight power to them with the power probe

[@hernilsoriano4873]

I just pick up a 04 CRV got 100k miles can’t complain

[@antoniostaehle8226]

So if I turn the ac on and the fan doesn’t come on. I need to replace the radiator fans?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Or relay or fuse

[@sutrisnomekanik5565]

Tanks

[@rodu.7518]

Does anyone know if operating temp of 206f 210f ok of Honda crv 2004.. fans kick on until 228f... drops it back down to 204f or so... that's on idle... anyone know if that's ok or to high in temp.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

That's normal

[@associateph81]

it seems you used your wife's pressure cooker buddy.. hahaha.. indeed, a great video

[@mattfreni7714]

If the fans do not turn on when you turn the AC on in your diagnostic steps. Does the mean it’s the fans themselves?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

It could be. Just make sure the compressor is running. The fans should run with the compressor. It could be the relay, the fan itself or the wiring.

[@efrahhh1]

If the fans don't turn on when you switch the ac on, the issue is low pressure on the ac system. The pressure switch does not send signal to fans if the system is low. Jump pressure switch located behind the passenger headlight. Your fans will come on when ac turned on and they will come on when it reaches temperature. Just fixed now. Crv 05.

[@CBZED101]

On mine I jumped the fan switch connector and still no fans. No fan with AC on either. Relays and fuses are all operational. I’m stumped. Edit: condenser fan is 3 years old, rad fan is OEM. Both spin freely when hand spun.

[@im7422]

My Honda CR-V fans still not turning on, they turned on with the pins and changed the switch but still no luck, coolant temperature is at 131 degrees but was already over heating

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Your thermostat may be stuck shut, not letting coolant into the radiator. Does your upper radiator hose get hot?

[@shanealarcon7928]

The fan for the engine keep burning out the fues I change 2 fues in 10 mins n it still Burns them out so I change the fan switch

[@factotumted]

Help.. my fan isn't automatically turning on even after I have replaced the temperature switch at the radiator. Anybody have any ideas? The fans do come on when I turn on the air conditioner

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Relay possibly

[@jesusmadriz7571]

espero me pueda alludar

[@PrimeZelot96]

Yes both fans should kick in when turn ac/on

[@antoniostaehle8226]

What do I do if neither fans turn on

[@klkk3382]

my radiator fan turns on but not the ac fan.... brand new fans, fuses are all good. and relays.

[@kyleholden4212]

Bring it to a shop and check your Freon level in your ac

[@JohnnyBLC]

I like Big Ben on your wrist there.

[@steffenweiss1018]

I replaced my fan switch twice. Still not working. Jumped fans and they work. I'm lost

[@efrahhh1]

Ac pressure switch located behind passenger headlight. Low pressure on ac systems causes that

[@jeanbrown9954]

Well..... I sent the video and NOW, he says, "that's not your problem, you don't have a switch. You are in a 2009, and aren't getting ANY fire, I hear the fans clicking like they trying to come on BUT want." SO.....HE'S ABOUT TO STRAIGHT WIRE IT!!!! 😮😮😮😮😮

[@tsvetelinpetrov5724]

why is my 2004 CRV not showing the outside temp like this one ??

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Pretty sure only the 2005 and 06 had that. Also, it had to be an EX I believe. Might be wrong. Not 100%

[@thexflexclan]

Today while driving I notice the needle of the temperature gauge starting to raise a lit bit to half way and stay there for a minute then starting to slowly go down to the 1/4 something like that I haven’t check the coolant level cause it was raining so hard I bought the car 1 day ago and I was driving without a issues but I know it they been replace both fans I guess the coolant could be so low or air packets trapped in the coolant system

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Or thermostat could be sticking

[@thexflexclan]

Both fans are new but idk the both fans kicks when the ac is on just sitting on traffic the car gets overheats

[@ElGallegoT]

the fans in muy car dont Star. I turn the ac on and dont Star both fans dont Star. I check the relays the work.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Probably the fan motors

[@IkarosCanFly]

If I jump the fan switch the fans turn on, but I replaced the fan switch and they still don't turn on.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Radiator could be clogged and hot coolant isnt hitting sensor. Are you sure its up to temp? The only way to tell is with a scantool. Or could be a bad "new" sensor

[@IkarosCanFly]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone Did a flush. Pulled both hoses off the rad and back flushed the rad then back flushed the block and also replaced the thermostat even tho old one looked good and clean. Still having the issue. Ran the car with a clamp on funnel and didn't get any bubbles so I know I dont have a leak. Do k24a1 just run cold? I guess I'm comparing this engine to my D16Y8 too much.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

@@IkarosCanFly It does take a long time to heat to operating temperature.

[@ac_tv2050]

Is there a error code for that one?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

No

[@mohamadmrad6287]

Each fan has 1 speed or 2 speeds?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Just 1 speed as far as I know

[@abellg64]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone my 04 CRV has the left side fan working,ac blows hot air any thoughts?

[@abellg64]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone I forgot to tell you, the driver side fan doesn't work

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

@@abellg64 Probably a bad fan motor

[@leonblack751]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone Hi am starting to have this same problem ,its climbs a little bit past the engine temp,then when I turn the heater on it drops down under the engine temp.Am confuse could you help.By the way nice video .I have 2002 crv.thks

[@OHHyaKnow]

Did exactly this and replaces the switch twice and my fans still don’t come on

[@DJones_444]

It could be the fan or relay. I have the same issue. I just tested my fan by connecting 12v directly to the fan harness and it did not come on so i will be replacing the cooling fan.

[@johnovalle8041]

Found one on eBay oem Honda Japan for $8.50 😅

[@juliorubalcava95]

Only my ac fan turns on

[@jesusmadriz7571]

Hola

[@andyhamilton8940]

Your insulation is in backwards

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

?

[@gonza2681]

My car doing seem tem

[@thexflexclan]

I have a question my Crv the check engine light doesn’t light up when your about to start the car

[@kens570]

You are good 👌

[@thexflexclan]

tigol bitties haha 😂 lol why

[@kens570]

@@thexflexclan Freddy You're just good 😎🤘

[@paquesepas6696]

@@thexflexclan That's bad a lot of times it's because someone went in to the cluster and busted the light bulb for the check engine. Scan it and if you have codes it means your light bulb on cluster is busted. People do this to sell cars scamming.

[@thexflexclan]

Johnny 24 yeah I know it had a stored code for an oxigen sensor I replace it but cause I didn’t have a good scanner to erase but after that it was good it seems there’s something wrong with the cruster like the light 💡 it’s burned out you can’t replace that buld cause it’s soldering to the cruster