2014 INFINITI QX60 with an intermittent rumbling, whirring noise from the front of the vehicle. Our INFINITI mechanic diagnosed the problem as a worn-out engine cooling fan and replaced the radiator cooling fan assembly.
Diagnosis
Problem
Cause
Repair
Best Practice
Cost
Tips
FAQ
Recommended Auto Repair Shop
Reviews
Diagnosis
Our INFINITI repair technician did a visual under-hood inspection and found that the right-side engine cooling fan was vibrating and making noise.
The INFINITI QX60 has a two-stage cooling fan. The two fans are switched on separately depending on the amount of cooling required. The primary fan runs more than the secondary fan and always fails first.
The technician recommended replacing the INFINITI QX60 radiator and condenser fan assembly.
The vehicle owner received a link to the following video and a detailed repair estimate. The video clearly demonstrates that the fan is the problem. The fan is not repairable, and a new fan assembly is required. The customer approved the repair, and we completed the job the same day.
Problem
The 2014 INFINITI QX60 uses a temperature-controlled dual-electric engine cooling fan. The bearing in the right fan wears out, causing it to vibrate and make noise whenever it runs.
Caution: If the cooling fan fails and the engine overheats, the engine should be checked for internal damage.
A failed radiator fan can cause the engine to overheat. If the engine has overheated to the point where it expels steam and coolant, it should be checked for over-heat damage. If both fans of the INFINITI QX60 engine cooling fan fail, the engine may suffer an overheating condition and serious engine damage.
The vehicle air conditioning may also perform poorly when the cooling fan fails because the A/C condenser is not being cooled.
Cause
- INFINITI QX60 radiator cooling fans have proven to be prone to failure.
- The engine radiator cooling fan control module, which controls the fans, can fail, causing the cooling fans to run excessively and wear out prematurely. The vehicle computer usually detects engine radiator cooling fan control module problems, and an error code can be stored and found with a scan tool.
- Failure of the engine temperature sensor can cause the engine cooling fan to run excessively and wear out prematurely. The vehicle computer usually detects engine temperature sensor problems and should generate a system error code.
- Vehicles operated in hot summer climates and stop-and-go city traffic with the air conditioning on can experience high wear and premature failure of the cooling fan.
- Not performing cooling system maintenance can decrease cooling system performance, causing the engine to run hot, increasing the time the cooling fan runs, and ultimately increasing fan wear.
Repair
After the diagnosis confirmed the failed cooling fan, our INFINITI technician disassembled the vehicle by removing the battery, fan shrouds, cooling fan control module, and wiring before removing the failed cooling fan assembly.
After installing the new cooling fan assembly, the technician checked the fan for correct operation as part of our quality control procedure. The technician cleared any error codes from the computer memory with a scan tool and ran the engine until it reached operating temperature and the fan cycled on and off correctly.
This vehicle had relatively low mileage and recently had a cooling system flush and coolant replacement service, so a coolant service was unnecessary.
Best Practice
- A failed radiator fan should be repaired immediately. Allowing an engine to overheat, even once, can cause extensive engine damage. If you suspect cooling fan issues, have your vehicle checked by a professional auto technician immediately.
- When diagnosing an engine coolant fan problem, ensure the cooling system is in good condition, and the engine is not running hot or overheating. If the engine is running hot, the engine cooling fan will run excessively and wear out prematurely.
- A malfunctioning engine thermostat causes the engine to run hot, and the engine cooling fan will run excessively and wear out prematurely.
Cost
The INFINITI QX60 cooling fan is an expensive dual-fan unit, and replacement requires significant labor.
We strongly recommend using a high-quality aftermarket INFINITI QX60 cooling fan assembly due to the labor required to replace the cooling fan.
We do not recommend using an inexpensive aftermarket replacement fan. These inexpensive fans are often of poor quality, noisy, and short-lived.
Also, a recycled or used cooling fan is not recommended due to the lack of knowledge of the part age and quality and the labor required to change the fan assembly if the used part fails.
How much does it cost to replace a radiator fan on INFINITI QX60?
A nationwide estimate price is between $800 and $1,200, while parts are typically priced between $200 and $600 (2024). This price range does not factor in diagnostic cost, vehicle condition (e.g., rusted and broken bolts), related repairs that may be needed, your geographical location, and local environmental disposal fees and taxes. Replacement part quality and price vary greatly, and we have a replacement part price range you can choose from.
Please contact us for a free local INFINITI QX60 Radiator Fan Assembly Replacement Cost Estimate.
Tips
- We recommend a cooling system service flush and coolant replacement every two years on Infinity vehicles.
- Keeping the cooling system in optimum condition will decrease the amount of time the fan operates, decreasing cooling fan wear. An engine thermostat and radiator cap replacement are recommended.
- We recommend an annual vehicle air conditioning service. A/C systems constantly lose a small amount of refrigerant and should be checked and topped up yearly. Vehicle air conditioning systems that become low on refrigerant gas run longer and produce higher system temperatures. The cooling fans must operate more, causing them to wear out prematurely.
- When in stop-and-go traffic, keep vehicle air conditioning use to a minimum. Operating the air conditioner places extra cooling demands on the cooling fan, which will cause premature cooling fan failure.
Cautions
- Never remove the radiator cap if the radiator is warm to the touch. The cooling system operates under high pressure, and you can be sprayed with scalding hot liquid coolant if the cap is removed. Always wait until the radiator is cool before removing the radiator cap. Note: it may take a few hours for the engine and radiator to cool!
- Cooling fans can turn on without warning, even with the ignition switched off. The fan blades are sharp and can seriously injure your hand.
FAQ
What is a Radiator Fan?
Vehicles use a fan to draw air across the radiator to remove heat from the engine coolant. The fan also cools the air conditioning condenser.
Electric cooling fans are used in most modern vehicles. They are driven by an electric motor, and the vehicle's engine management computer decides when to turn the fan on or off.
When the vehicle is driven, air is forced through the A/C condenser and through the engine radiator. The air removes heat from the engine coolant and the A/C system.
When the vehicle is stationary, airflow is insufficient to provide adequate cooling. During these conditions, the cooling fan provides airflow to remove excess heat and cool the engine and A/C system. On some vehicles, the cooling fan may come on when the vehicle is moving slowly to supplement the cooling airflow.
How do I know if my INFINITY cooling fan is failing?
Symptoms Of Engine Cooling Fan Failure:
- Dashboard warning lights: A faulty radiator cooling fan can trigger warning lights such as the engine temperature and Check Engine Light.
- Noise: When running, the cooling fan is noisy, creating grinding or rumbling noises, whirring noises, knocking or ticking noises when the fan blade hits the housing, or noise created by fan vibration.
- Engine overheating: The engine overheats or runs hot because the fan is not operating or running slow, creating inadequate airflow through the radiator, especially at low vehicle speeds.
- Vehicle air conditioning: The vents blow warm air. The AC system uses the engine cooling fan to cool the passenger compartment air. The A/C system will not cool the vehicle interior if the cooling fan fails. The A/C system may also display an AC warning or system check light.
How do I know if My INFINITI needs a new cooling fan?
When to Replace a Radiator Cooling Fan:
- Unusual noise when cooling fan operates.
- Rising engine temperature: The most obvious symptom of a failing radiator fan is increased engine temperature. When the fan stops working, engine temperatures will gradually rise. This will be particularly noticeable when your engine is at idle or slow speeds.
- If the vehicle has dual cooling fans, there are two conditions when the engine will overheat:
- If the primary fan fails, the engine will run hot, but the secondary fan will switch on and prevent the engine from overheating except in extreme temperatures.
- If the secondary fan fails, the engine will operate normally but overheat in extremely hot conditions.
My Infiniti QX60 has two electric cooling fans. Only one fan has failed. Can the failed fan be replaced separately?
The Infiniti QX60 cooling fans are not available separately. Both fans must be replaced as a complete cooling fan assembly.
My Infiniti QX60 is overheating, the cooling fan is not switching on, and steam is coming from the coolant reservoir. What should I do?
If your vehicle overheats, pull off the road as quickly as possible and turn off the engine. An overheated engine can be damaged very quickly and lead to expensive repairs.
You must wait until the engine cools and can run without steaming. After a cool-down period, restart the engine and let it idle. If the cooling fan does not come on and the engine starts to steam again, turn the vehicle off. The vehicle will need to be towed to a repair shop.