Toyota Tundra: How to Replace Radiator Fan
The radiator fan is designed to blow air right onto the engine to keep it as cool as possible. Learn how to replace the radiator fan on the Toyota Tundra here.
This article applies to the Toyota Tundra (2000-Present).
The radiator fan is designed to fan air right onto the Toyota Tundra's motor to keep it cool. Every now and then, your fan could malfunction, which could cause the engine to get hotter than you want it to be. Replacing the fan isn't too hard; however, it requires you to work in a very tight area, as well as remove a number of components under the hood. If you feel like you're up to saving some labor money, proceed on reading to learn how you can replace the radiator fan on your Toyota Tundra.
Materials Needed
- 10mm and (2) 12mm wrench
- Drain pan
- Socket with extension (10mm and 12mm)
- Pliers
- Flat head screwdriver
Step 1 – Disconnect battery
Disconnect the negative (black) battery terminal from the battery. Wrap it in a towel so it doesn't touch any metal and create a spark.
Step 2 – Remove skid plate
The skid plate is located on the bottom of the truck, protecting the bottom of the radiator. Remove the series of bolts holding it in place.
Step 3 – Drain radiator
Place the drain pan under the radiator's drain plug. Then loosen the drain plug with your hand counterclockwise. Let the coolant drain.
Step 4 – Remove various engine components
To make room for the fan to come out, you will have to remove various components on top of the engine.
Remove the engine cover, upper radiator hoses (remove clamps with pliers), and the intake tube using your flat head screwdriver.
Figure 4. Remove engine cover. 
Figure 5. Remove upper radiator hoses. 
Figure 6. Remove passenger side radiator hose. 
Figure 7. Remove intake tube.
Step 5 – Remove fan
To remove the fan, you will have to hold one of the nuts with the 12mm wrench while you're removing the three other bolts, so you can keep the fan in place. Once you get to the last bolt, thread a nut a little bit on one of the three, then use your screwdriver to hold the fan in place while removing the fourth bolt. Grab the fan and wiggle it out until it comes off.
Figure 8. Remove bolts. 
Figure 9. Hold fan to remove last bolt.
Step 6 – Install new fan
Installation is the reverse of removal:
- Tighten the fan in place.
- Install intake tube, upper radiator hoses, and engine cover.
- Refill radiator with coolant, start the truck and let it run for a minute, then refill if needed.
Featured Video: Radiator Fan Replacement
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