How to Change the Radiator Fan Unit in a 2001 Chevrolet Impala

Damage to the radiator fan unit on the Impala happens most often from an excessive build-up of dirt on the fans blades. This causes the small motor that turns the fan to overwork itself and eventually become defective. The 2001 Chevrolet Impala has dual fans that work together as a unit to cool the radiator and the coolant inside of it. If one or both of the fans stop working, the engine will only receive hot coolant from the radiator, further rising its temperature. This can lead to engine failure as well as radiator leaks and hose blowouts. Changing the radiator fan unit, right at home, should take you 30 minutes or less to do.

Instructions

1

Lift and properly support the hood on the Impala. Locate the cars battery and then use a socket wrench to remove the black - cable from its post on the battery.

2

Wrap the metal terminal at the end of the cable completely with electrical tape. There should not be any metal showing after wrapping the terminal.

3

Position the battery cable away from its post on the battery as well as any other metal it may accidentally come into contact with.

4

Wipe down the wiring harness plugs connected to both of the radiator fans with a clean shop rag. Then unplug each of the wiring harnesses from their individual fan and remove the wires from the retaining clips. If the safety clip on the wiring harness plugs seem hard to lift by hand, use a flat-head screwdriver to lift the clip upward while removing the plug.

5

Apply the Impalas emergency brake and then raise the front end of the car. Place a jack stand on the left and right frame rail behind both front tires.

6

Slide under the front end of the car so youre able to see the radiator. At the bottom of the fan unit, you should see two plastic push-pins. Remove the two push-pins with a flat-head screwdriver and then stand back up in front of the car.

7

Remove the two top bolts with a socket wrench on the left and right side of the radiator fan unit. Then carefully lift the entire fan unit vertically out of the engine compartment.

8

Install the new radiator fan unit by reversing the removal steps. Tighten the two top radiator bolts with a 1/4-inch-drive torque wrench set to 53 inch-lbs. and then tighten your battery cable with a 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench set to 12 ft-lbs. until secure.