Been noticing my radiator cooling fans have been running at unusual times - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

econ · 04-13-2024, 05:23 PM

Normally the fans will kick on at about 220* then turn off at 200*.

Lately I have been noticing them coming on at about 190*. Other temps too.

One time the fans were running after I shut the engine off, key removed. This is when I really started paying attention to this issue.

Then, now that I am paying very close attn to the fans, I noticed that the AC compressor clutch was engaging/disengaging on it's own. On for 3 seconds, off for 10 seconds. Something like that. And the fans were coming and going too but not exactly at the same intervals as the AC clutch engagement.

I thought to myself, OK, the AC issue is causing my fan issue perhaps since the fans come on when the AC is on.

Any idea what is causing this?

econ · 04-13-2024, 05:30 PM

Does the AC clutch engage when defrost is on yet outside temp is above a certain temp? I did do have this on when its warmish outside.

Any other situations where the AC clutch engages when I have not set the HVAC knob to AC?

BTW, not noticing any cool air out the vents. I simply hear the engine RPM drop in response to the AC clutch engaging and once this caught my attention I shined a flashlight at the compressor and watched it closely to confirm my suspicion.

Mouse330 · Yesterday, 04:30 PM

Get the A/C pressures checked, Sounds like you need a charge

bsn · Yesterday, 04:42 PM

The AC clutch will cycle-that's normal the fans should be on anytime the clutch is engaged and will stay on if the engine temp is high enough. I assume on a Camaro if the engine is warm enough the fans will run with the engine off as many other cars do. I doesn't sound like you have a problem.

04-13-2024, 05:23 PM	#1
econ Drives: 2013 2ss Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: oregon Posts: 41	Been noticing my radiator cooling fans have been running at unusual times Normally the fans will kick on at about 220* then turn off at 200. Lately I have been noticing them coming on at about 190. Other temps too. One time the fans were running after I shut the engine off, key removed. This is when I really started paying attention to this issue. Then, now that I am paying very close attn to the fans, I noticed that the AC compressor clutch was engaging/disengaging on it's own. On for 3 seconds, off for 10 seconds. Something like that. And the fans were coming and going too but not exactly at the same intervals as the AC clutch engagement. I thought to myself, OK, the AC issue is causing my fan issue perhaps since the fans come on when the AC is on. Any idea what is causing this?

04-13-2024, 05:30 PM	#2
econ Drives: 2013 2ss Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: oregon Posts: 41	Does the AC clutch engage when defrost is on yet outside temp is above a certain temp? I did do have this on when its warmish outside. Any other situations where the AC clutch engages when I have not set the HVAC knob to AC? BTW, not noticing any cool air out the vents. I simply hear the engine RPM drop in response to the AC clutch engaging and once this caught my attention I shined a flashlight at the compressor and watched it closely to confirm my suspicion.

Yesterday, 04:30 PM	#3
Mouse330 Drives: 2011 2SS, 2006 GMC Sierra Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: MA Posts: 252	Get the A/C pressures checked, Sounds like you need a charge

Yesterday, 04:42 PM	#4
bsn Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Virginia Posts: 313	The AC clutch will cycle-that's normal the fans should be on anytime the clutch is engaged and will stay on if the engine temp is high enough. I assume on a Camaro if the engine is warm enough the fans will run with the engine off as many other cars do. I doesn't sound like you have a problem.