I bought a Jun 2003 3500 QC HO Diesel. I don't know if the fan clutch is working right. I went to check on a new one and before I bought it, I started to pull the old one off. I noticed it has a set of wires that are attached to the front of the fan clutch to the bottom of the radiator. I read somewhere that the third generation Dodges have an electronic fan clutch. (1) Is this a electronic Fan clutch? (2) How do you check this type of clutch? The truck seems to be running hotter than it should and the fan not pulling very well at med RPMs. I started the truck and then turned on the air while I was holding the fan and didn't feel any enguagement. Can I get some advice on ways to check this new type of fan clutch? Thanks, Shrimper

 

Check your codes, there are a couple of codes that apply to the fan. Please do not try to hold the fan with the engine running! we don't need to be calling you stubby! the fan does not work as an on/off deal, the computer can variably control the fan from freewheeling to locked. you should really hear it while accellerating with the air on. that is about the only time that I can really hear mine.

 

Be safe and use a old hose... Garden hose, radiator hose... But not your hands... PLEASE!

 

DRB scan tool will show what percent of lock up is being requested.

 

MY GOD: If you use your hands and it locks you will lose them, if you use a hose and it locks you will fubar things beyond belief if you are lucky and don't get sucked in.
Clark

 

It's a plastic fan and as long as you're on the back side and you hardly touch it, you won't do anything but sting your fingers a little at most. I always have someone start the truck while holding the fan. I have been doing this for 20 years so far. Anyhow, I went to the dealer and the guys that looked at my truck really knew what they were talking about, I'm pretty sure. I had a lot of questions answered. The fan has electronic magnets in it and it will allow the fan to pull when it becomes hot enough. The computer tells the fan clutch how hot everything is and how much fan is needed. The trans has a water-cooled cooler on the engine that it goes through first and then it runs up to the transmission air cooler next, then back into the transmission. That's why the trans temps are running close to the engine temps in the summer. They gave me a service bulletin on the oil filters. Make sure you only use MOPAR or just certain other filters on their approved list. They have problems with the non-approved filters coming apart due to the higher heat that is generated in the third generation engines. I have some other info. that they told me. Just email me if you are interested.
Thanks,
Shrimper

 

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