2014 Buick Encore Cooling Fan System Tips and Description

Diagnosing the cooling fan system on a 2014 Buick Encore can be a little tricky if you’re reading the manual which does not give locations and descriptions of everything in all cases. This Buick Encore has three fan relays in the main under hood relay fuse center and an extra two under the hood in a separate box in the system that some people don’t know about that all need to be working properly for the system to work. It also contains a fan resistor which is not located inside the vehicle under the dash where most of the manuals say it is but rather it is located on the cooling fan assembly under the hood. In this video we show you the location of those items and give a brief description of some of the things that can cause the fans to fail and what can happen to the engine in the air conditioning system if the Fans will not run on all three speeds. Please watch our full length episodes of the Under The Hood radio show and call us 866-594-4150 This is a free car repair and advice show that has been on since 1990. Please subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications while you’re here as well, we would really appreciate it.
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[@b_t_b_h_]

I have a 2014 Buick Encore and I’ve taken my car to the dealership a local mechanic. Both have not completely fixed this exact scenario. My fan won’t work, the car overheats when idle. THANK YOU for this video. 🎉🎉🎉

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

You are welcome.

[@garybenski6383]

So in addition to the 1.4 engine turbo problems you also have this cooling issue too...nice thx gm. I just sold my Encore w 60,000 miles cause its had so many problems

[@mikeceo8093]

Same here. Similar mileage and sold mine today. Turbo went out, ac compressor, strut mounts, alternator, and head gasket. Worst car I've ever owned

[@b_t_b_h_]

I’m having similar issues with my ‘14 at 73k. What do you drive now. I’m thinking about Toyota Corolla, but prices are high and interest rates are are ridiculous!

[@allanfranco4464]

THANKS ILL BE WORKING ON ONE OF THESE CARS A SHOP RECHARGED A/C THAN NEXT DAY DOESNT COME COLD SO I REALLY LEARNED ALOT FROM YOUR VIDEO THANKS AGAIN HAVE BEEN A AUTO AND SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC FOR OVER 40 YEARS BUT ALWAYS WILLING TO LEARN NEW THINGS TROUBLE SHOOTING ETC ETC THANKS AGAIN

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

@@allanfranco4464 thanks for watching

[@wmcompton]

Excellent work. (Our car) Turns out this resistor is likely why we had to replace the radiator and the coolant overflow tank… didn’t even give the resistor a thought. Makes me like PWM fans more and more!

[@deniellesimich5392]

Very informative video, thank you for posting! I have a question - the a/c in my 2017 Buick Encore works just fine, but sometimes when I turn my car off, I can hear the fan continuing to run, especially when it’s hot out. This will last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. I’ve had to jump it a couple of times because it’s wearing out the battery. I think there could be an issue with the relays or sensor, but do you have any ideas of what the problem may be?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

It could be a stuck relay. When they stick, the fan will continue to runn.

[@velocity-cl3qm]

Great video. I have a question. How can I test if they are working? Can I "force" them to work at the 3 speeds? I have one that I can't figure our why it keeps blowing coolant out of the res hose. I just replaced the small hoses, cap and res, and thermostat housing - seems ok - but haven't heard the fan come on - running about 160 after 45 mins.

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Yes, with a scanner that has bi-directional controls you can turn them on.

[@dr.danielmundt4742]

I have a 2014 Buick Encore. The cooling fan will not shut off until the car battery dies. Any thoughts?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Possibly a stuck fan relay.

[@brollins5116]

I just had that issue. It was the cooling fan getting to go out. I hope you got it fixed before it overheated like mine did.

[@alhaupt3150]

@@UnderTheHoodShow yeah but which one? lol

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

@@alhaupt3150 if we ever find on fan relay failed we test the fan for current draw and replace all three relays. If the fan pulls any more than factory specs it also gets replaced.

[@alhaupt3150]

@@UnderTheHoodShow gotcha. how did you test the fan resistor and/or fan motor? I just checked all 5 relays with a 9v battery and they click/hold properly so I dont think its one of them. that pretty much leaves the resistor and/or fan I would think

[@DavidM-fb7ij]

Thank you for this video! To be clear, if it runs on high or not at all, it’s likely the resistor? Occasionally (usually in summer) on our 2014 Encore the fan would stay on after ignition was off which I suspect is a sticking relay (but it’s very intermittent). When trying to diagnose in the garage I noticed the fan would cycle on/off what I think was high speed when the AC was on but wouldn’t come on at all with AC off (and engine at normal temp), even when revving the engine. Feels like all (high, med, low) relays would click when the fan did come on.

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

When we see them run on high only or. It at all we usually find it’s the resistor. Thanks for watching.

[@DavidM-fb7ij]

Thank you!

[@DavidM-fb7ij]

Thank you again for this video! Just replaced the fan and lo and behold, now have low and medium speeds! Also replaced high speed relay which seems to have stopped the fan running when ignition is turned off sporadically. AND while diagnosing these issues noticed low fluid level. Started squeezing hoses and discovered a cracked water outlet, so replaced that too! Fingers crossed that’s all for now!

[@Drebotchris]

Great!!! Finally someone intelligent

[@micahbhep1]

Excellent video. I have a 2019 Buick encore, i drove it for 90 mins and the fan did not turn on. At whuch point should the fan turn on, when the vehicle starts or when it reaches a certain temperature? I would like to add that the ac no longer works (and it did prior to this.). What should be done?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

The fans actually turn off once the vehicle reaches about 25 mph and back on again when you slow down. The fans only run with the ac on and the compressor running or when the engine temp has reached the required amount.

[@frankv9068]

Excellent diagnosis and explanation. Thx Russ for taking the time to make this video. Love your podcast guys!

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Thank you!

[@nklorichi]

Great info,Thanks for posting,I have a 2014 Buick enclave 3.6 and the fan only comes on when the ac is turned on,the temperature cooling sensor seems to be working fine,it shows the temperature,could it be a bad relay?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

It could, yes.

[@nklorichi]

@@UnderTheHoodShow i switched the relays around but they seem to work fine,Changed the coolant temperature sensor (OEM) still not working on its own!!

[@MrHeO2]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@PWBMusic]

A few months ago on really hot days the fan on my 2015 buick encore would overheat at low speeds and then the fan would get stuck on. I wasnt able to address it and now the fan doesn't turn on period and the vehicle is leaking coolant. I checked the radiator fan relat 1 & 2 with an ohm meter and they appear to be in good shape. But im also getting a P0480 engine code. The wiring from the relay seems in tact and i cleaned one of the grounds i could find just in case but they seem in tact too. Its been really tricky for me to diagnose and my wifes been down her car in the meantime. Any ideas of what the issue might be?

[@crystalgiles984]

I need to replace my radiator fan on my 2011 buick regal. Do you have videos for this??

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

We do not.

[@dianacohen2454]

I have two 2015 Buick Encore vehicles so I have one that has no air Conditioning so I added A/C refrigerant and a new cabin filter. No change at all..Should I replace the cooling fan or just one of these fan relays? Please let me know what to try next. Most appreciated! Thank you!

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

If the fans won’t come on while stopped but the ac works while going down the road at highway speed then testing the fans is next. A scanner will do that. We have seen relays fail and also resistors on the fan which would mean a fan assembly foe a resistor. If the ac won’t work while on the road at highway speeds then there is more going on that a shop would have to check.

[@davidj.zamora5017]

FYI I just figured this problem out today on 2013 encore….if you read the wording on connector port of resistor it says do not repair….chances are there was a problem with fan motor that caused resistor to overheat…such as a failsafe…..I imagine though GM may have done it to sell more parts too 🫠…. Thanks for this video, because I should have started with fan but started with ac compressor and then a new turbo …..this car is a lemon !!

[@sharicrogan9271]

I have a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan crew. Check engine light is on code 04080. My mechanic sent me to Dodge dealer. They told me that I had an internal TIPM problem. I sent my TIPM down to the Carolinas to be "redone". It came back with the same problem. I have since changed the relay in the fuse box, as well as the relay attached to the front of the car. Dodge also told me they "ran a scan report, tested power and grounds to fans, inspected the wiring, activated fans with scan tool and they responded. Disconnected the fans and the same active code came back. That was $183.81. I called Dodge back and they said I would need further diagnosis for $190.00. I've also called computer car exchange and they told me I might have to send the TIPM back??? Both my inspection and my registration have expired because of the check engine light. Do you think it could be the radiator fan resistor?? I am a 65 yr old female and I've really had enough with this car already. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

We have seen the module you sent in for repair come back with the same problem before. They can be tricky to repair. Without seeing the vehicle, it is hard to say what it is but we do not have many fan problems with these vans. Almost none. In the past five years in our own shop, we have only had one in and it had a bad fan itself. If it can be turned on an activated at the dealership that means that the fans are working and the wiring to them is good.

[@lennylexi3346]

Feel bad asking but you wouldn't know about what temp the low and medium fan speeds get engaged

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

That's a great question but without looking at the manual we would not have exact numbers. All three speeds are published in the Mitchell and All Data manuals.

[@lennylexi3346]

Thanks for your help!

[@bootsdenson1626]

Temperature gauge does not read hot but fan is not running. What do I need to do?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Need to verify engine temp with a scanner and a non contact laser type temp gun to see what it is running at and use a scanner to try and turn on the fans manually so you can diagnose it.

[@sstteepphhaanniiee]

Good stuff! Thank you!

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

You're welcome!

[@jbocaneg17611]

Great content.

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Thank you very much! It means a lot to us when watchers comment.

[@evanl5876]

How exactly do you turn on the fan speeds with a scanner? Will any obd scanner be able to do this?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Not all scanners will but bi-directional scanners will.

[@evanl5876]

@@UnderTheHoodShow and then you can manually turn on the different fan speeds to test?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

@@evanl5876 yes with a bi directional scanner.

[@hope1748]

great video, full of information. you are a big help.

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Thank you

[@joeltempleton1041]

I'm having the same problem with mine. Had all speeds, then just hight for a bit. And now, no fan. The air con is cold when I drive. If it has a capacitor and diode, can I change myself ( I use to solder circuit boards for a job )

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

You should be able to change the resistor yourself but typically they don’t sell them separately so you would need to replace the fan assembly which comes with the resistor. They’re usually fairly affordable aftermarket from companies like dormanproducts.com

[@glitzglambeauty5098]

So with that being said I have a 2019 Buick Encore Preferred, my fan stays on after the Buick is powered down and after so long it drains my battery and I have to jump off my battery. What would be that issue?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Often it is the relay stuck on. Sometimes if you lightly tap in them when the engine is turned off they will shut off. If they do, the relay is sticking and needs to be replaced.

[@glitzglambeauty5098]

@@UnderTheHoodShow in this video was the little boxes you showed, was those the relay’s are that very expensive and can a woman easily replace them?

[@MrPosey85]

Great Time saver..... I appreciate you.

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Thank You!

[@lindasophia1288]

My 2018 Buick Encore fan is not shutting down until the battery dies, and that issue started today since I brought it and I have it for a year now. What exactly is the problem?? Any ideas??

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Hey lotta times it is stuck cooling fan relays that caused them to continue to stay on. Your mechanic should be able to check that and verify it for you very quickly

[@brollins5116]

I literally just had this issue. I would have to remove the fuse to keep the battery from dying but after a week or so it stopped running at all. My car overheated melting part of my thermostat casing. It's currently at the shop now they checked the fan is getting power. It's the fan itself. Good luck

[@byanes39]

Just had the same issue this week my mechanic told me fan needs to get replaced and relay whopping $500

[@juancamachojimenez664]

My ac stop blowing while driving. Any ideas on what it could be please and thank you

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

If it stops blowing cold, it is a refrigeration system issue which can be a refrigerant charge issue or a lack of airflow through the condenser and radiator, like a fan not turning on. If it stops blowing air through the dash vents but you can still hear the fan running behind the dash, then you may have a mode door issue. It will need to be looked at hands on.

[@Blumoon106]

How hard was it to replace the fan? I have the exact same issue as you. Took out the resistor and it look identical to yours. Damaged and not working at all. Is the fan hard to replace?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

It took around an hour with basic hand tools.

[@juantamelo85]

@@UnderTheHoodShow can we get a video on replacing the fan. I tried because everyone said it was easy. Take the 2 bolts out and move the coolant reservoir out the way. Then pull up the fan out. Nope. That didn't don't for me. Not to mention one of the bolts broke and halve of it is stuck with no way out. Thanks GM for such a piece of 💩

[@MelodyBurton]

My fan is not turning off when car is turned off.. relay or temp sensor?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Usually the relay.

[@mimaperez2931]

I have a Buick lacrosse 2014 and my cooling fans stay on all night until the battery dies. I replaced the relay but it still stays on what else could be the issue and how could I solve it

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

@@mimaperez2931 unplug all of the cooling fan relays there’s usually two or three depending on the model of the system. If the fans do not turn off after that, then unplug the resistor on the fan. It may have a shorted resistor block, which also contains a relay in some cases.that is typically located on the fan assembly itself at the radiator. Thanks for watching.

[@5Star-e7y]

About how much time does it take for the fin to come on

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

You have to watch them engine temp but depending on the outdoor temps it can be anywhere from five to 30 minutes. Don't let it get too hot.

[@robertwilliams8190]

Our 2016 encore keeps overheating periodically while driving down the highway and blows water out the port on the overflow tank, the cars computer says "overheating idle engine " which pulling over and idling doesn't help, have to shut it off let it cool then add more water or coolant.. I've tested the relays for continuity and they all 5 passed, I installed a new thermostat, housing and temperature sensor. Drove around town several times and no problem. Drove 180 miles this morning to a appointment and it overheated just as we were about there. I'm baffled at what to try next, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Thank you.

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

We will do a head gasket check on it using the fluid that checks for combustion gas in the radiator. It is possible that it has a head gasket out. That is the next step in the diagnosis that we would normally perform

[@robertwilliams8190]

Thank you

[@mikestrandberg6614]

I have a 2014 Buick encode and the fan runs all the time killing the battery?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

If a relay sticks on it will do this.

[@kerrickwilson2716]

How do you tell if all 3 speeds work?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

You would need a scanner to turn each one on individually.

[@michaelpryer7301]

So my moms car. Over heat I instantly. Heat works very occasionally. Shopped charged $400 for outlet tube. Fan never comes on from what I can tell. Maybe high? All new fan ?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

What kind of vehicle is it? Tue Encore has several relays and fuses. There is also a resistor that comes with a new fan. Often we find the relays burnt out and fuses blown.

[@michaelpryer7301]

Same car. 2014 Buick Encore. 1.4 Eco Tech.

[@michaelpryer7301]

I checked fuses. Is there a relay that would affect all speeds? Way to check other than each individual relay? TY

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

@@michaelpryer7301 You would have to check each relay individually and their power source in the fuse box under the hood on the driver side

[@michaelpryer7301]

@@UnderTheHoodShow thanks. So I turned AC on and fan gos on for about 2 secs every 20 seconds. I here the mid range fan clicking on but thats it

[@FromTheGroundUp365]

i have a 2017 buick encore, it seems like the high speed is always on. what could that be?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

The high-speed relay is one possibility that we see on these

[@wewar2185]

My fan only run in high all the time buick verano

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

If the relay is stuck it will always run on high. But… if the other relays have failed or the resistor it will only run on high.

[@royhumberto4621]

What if the fans stays on

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Very possibly relays stuck

[@beverlyhilburn2293]

Ok 2012 Buick Enclave Premium, shut vehicle off but fan kept running until it killed the 18 month old battery. Replaced the battery. Finally noticed cooling fan relay 3 started melting along with the fuse box. Now crazy thing is that my ac has never blown cold-cold unless I'm pushing the gas pedal. Well after we removed the #3 fan relay low n behold it's blowing ice cold even idling. So the truck isn't running hot, both fans come on but don't go off. HELP!! I'm a US Army Intel Vet, a widowed mom of 2 severely special needs boys, inflation is KILLING ME. But I can't be without my truck.

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

Usually when that happens it’s due to a bad fan that draws too much current and melts the relay. If it’s allowed to go on too long it will cause more damage. Anything melted will need to be repaired or replaced and the fans replaced. In our shop we have only seen the relays melt when a fan is bad. Even if it’s running it can still be bad and pull too much current.

[@beverlyhilburn2293]

@@UnderTheHoodShow that's what I kinda thought as well, either bad fans or some kind of short in the wiring to the fuse or fan. Thank you for responding.

[@JJ_Curtis]

👍391 Thank you

[@5Star-e7y]

I let my chev sonic run for about 30 min

[@juantamelo85]

My 2117 encore essence is the biggest piece of sh it. At 55k mile and I had multiple issues with coolant. This car should be out the market. It's a lemon.

[@mattrichmond5387]

Ok I have a question. My heat/ air don't blow on feet when it's switched to it but will blow through the defrost vents and only blows hot air on driver side dash vents what would fix this?

[@UnderTheHoodShow]

It sounds like a blend door motor, or the actual door is broken. It could also be the controls, but it is common for the motors to quit or the doors to break. We have a video about clicking bend door motors.