Engine fan came on on highway while driving against a lot of wind

[chrisrach3]

Anyone else have this happen? I'm driving into the wind at 75 mph on an interstate. After about 1.5 hours of this, the big (radiator?) fan comes on. It was loud, especially when I stepped on the gas. I didn't even realize what it was until I finally got to a gas station, and it was the same fan that comes on with my first start of the day.

I turned it off, filled up, went inside, started it up again, and the fan came on again. I pulled out of the gas station, and the fan turned off as soon as I was out of the lot.

I'm hoping it's not a serious problem. I've already had to spend $6,000 on a new timing chain.

 

[marctronixx]

sounds like the fan is doing its job. if you had the AC on and it was hot/humid outside and/or you were doing some uphill driving, these scenarios can cause he viscous fan to activate.

you didnt state what year/model and mileage you have on your car.

are you the only owner? you sated you hear the fan come on first in the day and then stop, so this tells me its working. that said, it should not come on first time you start the car each day, unless its parked in hot locations or where the engine room can get hot, but still it sounds like its working normally.

 

[chrisrach3]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a 2011 QX56 with 125K miles. I'd say it's a 50/50 chance it comes on for my first start in the mornings. Hot or cold weather.

 

[marctronixx]

yeah that sounds completely normal.

its when it comes on ALL the time is when i would think it may be faulty. the viscous fan should spin freely when the car is off. if it has resistance on it when the car is off, that could be a sign its faulty, but from what you have written here, thats sound normal.

______________________________

 

[chrisrach3]

Ok now it’s hot as heck here and the fan comes on for a few seconds, stops for a few, comes on for a few, etc. Especially right after I start the car, occasionally at slower speeds, but not at high speeds. I don’t remember that last summer. Is anyone else’s doing the same?

 

[marctronixx]

yes , sounds normal.