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Will a Bad Fan Clutch Cause AC Problem? – The Ultimate Guide

April 12, 2022
11 Min Read

The AC compressor is the most important part of the air conditioner. It is responsible for pumping up cool air into your room. The fan clutch ensures that the fan runs at the same speed as the compressor for a smooth functioning of your air conditioner. If there are any problems with the fan clutch, it will cause some issues in your AC.

Signs of Bad Fan Clutch

An inefficient fan clutch can cause AC problems. In order for the AC to work, the engine has to be running at a certain RPM. The fan clutch helps to maintain a certain RPM range by increasing or decreasing the fan speed according to the AC needs.

If the fan clutch is not working efficiently, then it can cause transmission problems, problem with engine or other issues with the AC which shall be discussed later.

What is a Clutch Fan?

A clutch fan is a mechanical device that regulates the engine temperature by controlling the speed of the radiator fan. It consists of a clutch and a fan, with the clutch engaging and disengaging the fan based on the engine temperature. The increased airflow helps to dissipate heat and prevent overheating of the engine.

How Does a Clutch Fan Work?

A clutch fan consists of two parts: the clutch and the fan. The clutch is a temperature-sensitive device that is attached to the fan. It’s designed to engage the fan when the engine temperature reaches a certain level and disengage it when the temperature decreases.

When the engine is running at a normal temperature, the clutch is disengaged, and the fan spins at a low speed, providing sufficient cooling. However, when the engine temperature increases beyond a certain level, the clutch engages, and the fan spins faster to provide more cooling. The increased airflow helps to dissipate the heat and regulate the engine temperature.

The clutch is designed to operate automatically, depending on the engine temperature. The temperature-sensitive bimetallic coil inside the clutch expands and contracts based on the temperature of the engine coolant. When the coil expands, it engages the clutch, and when it contracts, it disengages the clutch.

In summary, a clutch fan works by engaging and disengaging the fan based on the engine temperature. It helps to regulate the engine temperature and prevent overheating, ensuring proper functioning of the engine and other components.

Will a Bad Fan Clutch Cause AC Problem?

Yes, a bad fan clutch can cause AC problems. The fan clutch regulates the speed of the radiator fan which helps to cool the engine. If the fan clutch is not working properly, it can cause reduced airflow through the radiator, leading to engine overheating, and affecting the performance of the AC system. Additionally, a bad fan clutch can cause the AC compressor to work harder, resulting in decreased performance and efficiency of the AC system.

Type of Clutch Fans

There are 3 types of clutch fans available in market. Let us describe each of them in detail below:

Thermal Clutch Fans

Thermal clutch fans are the most common type of fan. They are very powerful, and can cool an area up to 3 times as fast as other types of fans. They also use less energy than standard ACs, and are very quiet. They work by using a thermal clutch.

When the temperature in the room is below the desired temperature, the fan turns on and works hard to cool it down. Once the desired temperature is reached, the thermal clutch disconnects from its motor and stops working. The motor continues to run for a few seconds to help cool down your room, but then also shuts off. 

Electronic Clutch Fans

Electronic fans use electricity instead of air pressure to spin their blades, which makes them more efficient than other types of fans. However, they are also much louder than other types of fans; they’re almost always used in conjunction with AC units so that you don’t have to hear them!

They work by using an electronic clutch instead of a thermal one. This electronic clutch uses a sensor that tells it how hot your room is – once it reaches your desired temperature, it shuts off automatically! These fans are more expensive than standard ACs, but they’re also more efficient and quieter.

Torque Limiting Fan Clutch

Torque limiting fan clutches are the most efficient type of fan clutch. They work by using a sensor that tells them how much torque is required to keep the motor spinning. When the desired temperature is reached, the torque limit is reached and the motor shuts off.

These clutches are very expensive, but they’re also very efficient and quiet. If you have a small room, a standard AC unit will probably be fine for your needs; however, if you have a large room or would like more control over your AC unit (like being able to shut it off when it’s not in use), then a torque limiting fan clutch may be right for you!

What are the Advantages of a Clutch Fan?

Clutch fans are much more energy efficient than standard cooling systems. When you use your AC unit with a clutch fan, you’ll notice that it’s far quieter than other systems – and that it’s also more energy efficient. Your AC system will work just as hard (if not harder!) in order to give you the same level of cool air as traditional models, but your electricity bill will be much lower!

You’ll also notice that your AC unit runs less often – which means less wear and tear on your motor, too! Finally, when you use a clutch fan, you’ll see that it’s designed to work with any type of cooling system – including the latest ductless mini split units!

How to Tell if a Clutch Fan is Bad? #Signs of Bad Fan Clutch

If you are wondering, whether the fan clutch is good or bad, here are few signs to indicate the condition of a clutch fan:

  • Intermittent or no fan speed during AC.
  • Fan speed increases during non-AC driving.
  • A clicking sound when the fan is on.
  • Damaged or bent blades.
  • High engine temperature. 

The above mentioned factors will help you determine whether your gan clutch has gone bad or not. If any of these factors are applicable to your AC system then it is time to get down to fixing it or else replacement might be required soon.

What Does a Bad Fan Clutch Sound Like?

A bad fan clutch makes a whining or whistling sound which is a serious issue. Here is the audio of a bad fan clutch sound:

How Do You Know When Your Fan Clutch Needs to Be Replaced?

There are several things that you can look for to find out whether your clutch needs replacement or not. Some of these include:

Noisy Fan
Most of the time, a bad fan clutch will make a clicking sound as it revolves. This is because the blades are hitting the fan hub or the housing. You can also hear squeaking sounds from the motor as it tries to move but fails to do so because of friction between the moving parts.
Bad Smell
If you have been using your car for a long time and have not replaced your clutch, then it may start smelling bad due to excessive heat and dust accumulation in the system. When this happens, there is a chance that you need to install a new fan as soon as possible.
High Operating Temperature
A new fan clutch works by gripping both sides of the pulley tightly and allowing very little friction between them so that they move smoothly with very little effort on your car’s engine. If this gripping system fails, then there will be extra friction between them which means more heat build-up in your car’s engine compartment and eventually leading to damage of other parts in your vehicle such as its radiator or even its catalytic converter.
No Cool Air from AC
When you turn on your air conditioning system but get no cool air from it, then it is likely that there is something wrong with your AC system or else with its cooling component such as a faulty fan clutch.

How to Test a Fan Clutch?

There are various ways in which you can test the fan clutch in order to ensure whether it is working or damaged and is causing any issues to the AC. Let us see a few of them below:

  • Check the Air Flow: When you turn on your AC system, it will surely blow cold air. However, if the air flow is not cold enough, then it is likely that your fan clutch needs replacement.
  • Check for Noise: If you hear a clicking sound when the fan is on or it is wobbling, then there is a good chance that the fan clutch needs to be replaced at once as soon as possible.
  • Check for Leakage of Silicon Fluid: If you notice a small amount of silicon fluid leaking from the bottom of your fan, then it is likely that the fan clutch is worn out and needs to be replaced.
  • Check for Heat: If you feel that the temperature of your AC system has risen significantly when it is turned on, then it may be due to a faulty fan clutch or else due to a leak in your AC system.
  • Check for Buzzing Sound: When you turn on your AC and hear a buzzing sound, then it could be due to a faulty fan clutch or else due to its blades hitting the housing or hub of the motor. If the system is leaking air from its vents, then there is a chance that the fan clutch needs to be replaced soon.
  • Check for Wear and Tear: If you notice that the clutch has been getting worn out for a long time without being replaced, then it is likely that your AC system needs to be installed with a new fan clutch as soon as possible.

FAQs on Bad Fan Clutch Causing AC Problem?

Can a bad fan clutch stop your AC from working?
If you have a faulty fan clutch, then the air flow of your AC system will be affected and it will not function properly. If the air flow is not properly cooled, then it will not work effectively and you will end up feeling hot and uncomfortable in your car.
What should you do if you have a bad fan clutch?

If you notice that one of your fan clutches is broken or worn out, then the first thing that you should do is to check for its replacement parts and tools before buying a new one.

Secondly, if the fan clutch has been destroyed beyond repair due to its age or wear and tear, then it is best to replace it with a new one as soon as possible in order to ensure that the temperature of your car’s cabin remains cool throughout the day.

What is the difference between a fan clutch and a fan?
A fan is used to circulate air in your AC system to ensure that it remains cool throughout the day. A fan clutch is the part of your AC system that helps in keeping your car’s cabin cool by circulating air.

Conclusion on Bad Fan Clutch

A bad fan clutch can cause your car’s AC system to malfunction and stop working properly which could lead to its parts being damaged beyond repair. If the fan clutch has been destroyed, then it is best to replace it with a new one as soon as possible in order to ensure that the temperature of your car’s cabin remains cool throughout the day.

For any suggestions on does bad clutch fan cause AC problems, please write to us in comments section below.