Failing Cooling Fan Sends SRX Temps Skyrocketing

I had a similar problem with my 2004 CTS with the 3.6L engine last summer. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I first tried the obvious checks but ended up needing professional help. The radiator fan had stopped working due to a faulty wiring connection at the fan motor plug. The temperature control system was sending the signal, but the electric fan wasnt responding. The engine cooling performance was fine when driving at speed because of natural airflow, but it would overheat during idle just like yours. My workshop found the issue during diagnostics, a corroded connector was preventing proper electrical contact to the electric motor. Total repair cost was 95€ including labor and parts. Before you head to a shop, could you share: Does your coolant temperature warning light come on? Can you hear any clicking or humming from the fan area when starting the car? What engine size does your SRX have? These details would help compare if its the same issue I experienced. The symptoms sound very similar, but knowing these specifics would help confirm if you're dealing with the same electric fan problem.

Last service was at 88668 KM and the fan problem started shortly after. The coolant warning light does flash occasionally now that you mention it, usually at traffic lights. I dont hear any humming or clicking from the fan area anymore, it used to make a distinct sound when starting up. Im running the 4.6L V8 model. The temperature control system definitely seems off since the radiator fan isnt engaging properly. Would testing the fan motor directly with a battery be a good first diagnostic step before taking it to a shop? Just trying to avoid unnecessary repair costs if its something simple.

Having gone through this myself with my CTS, I can definitely relate to wanting to diagnose before paying for shop time. The symptoms with your SRX are strikingly similar, though the V8 runs a bit hotter than my 3.6L did. Testing the fan motor directly with a battery is actually a smart diagnostic step, its exactly what I tried before discovering my connector issue. Just be careful when doing this test and use proper safety precautions with the electrical connections. The lack of fan noise at startup is particularly telling. In my case, the radiator fan would normally kick in briefly during the initial startup sequence. When this stopped happening, it was a clear sign the electric motor wasnt receiving power properly. The temperature control system relies heavily on the cooling fans working correctly, especially with a V8 engine. If its not engaging at idle, youre likely looking at either: A faulty fan motor, Electrical connection issues (like in my case), A failed fan relay, Failed temperature sensor Based on your mileage and symptoms, Id suspect either the connector or relay before the fan motor itself. These tend to fail more frequently than the actual electric motor assembly. Would you be comfortable checking the fan relay first? Its usually easier to access than the motor connections and is often a common failure point in the engine cooling system.

Thanks for sharing those additional details. The flashing coolant warning light combined with the missing fan sound definitely points to an electrical issue in the cooling system. My V8 had similar symptoms before the repair. Direct battery testing of the fan motor is a good starting point. If the electric fan spins when connected to 12V, then the motor is good and the issue lies in the control circuit. If it doesnt spin, then the fan motor itself has failed. Just to verify, when you turn the AC on max, does the radiator fan engage? The temperature control system should trigger the fan even if the coolant sensor is faulty. This could help narrow down if its a sensor issue or a problem with the electric motor circuit. For comparison, when my vehicle overheating issues started, first symptoms were the quiet fan and temperature spikes at idle. The shop quoted 450€-600€ for a complete fan motor replacement, but found it was just the relay for 95€. Hoping you have similar luck with a simple fix rather than major engine cooling system repairs. Let me know how the battery test goes if you try it. Im thinking the fan relay might be the culprit since the timing matches with the recent service.