Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Incorrect Engine Cooling Fan Operation &/Or Noise (00-T-18)
Reference number: 00-T-18
INCORRECT ENGINE COOLING FAN OPERATION &/OR NOISE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
INCORRECT ENGINE COOLING FAN OPERATION ON LOW SPEED AND/OR INCREASED UNDER HOOD NOISE AT IDLE (REPLACE COOLING FAN CONTROL MODULE)
Model(s): 2000 Saturn L-Series
Group/Seq. No.: Engine-07
Corporation No.: 00-06-02-002
Bulletin No.: 00-T-18
Date: March, 2000
VEHICLES AFFECTED
2000 Saturn L-Series Sedans and Wagons equipped with V-6 engines (RPOL81) built before YY667900
CONDITION
Some customers may comment of incorrect engine cooling fan operation and/or increased noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle.
CAUSE
This condition may be caused by incorrect operation of the engine cooling fans. The cooling fan control module may cause Fan #1 (puller fan) to be inoperative and Fan #2 (pusher fan) to operate at high speed. This condition may take place when only low cooling fan speed is required.
Both cooling fans should always operate at the same time and be capable of running at LOW, MED, and HIGH speeds.
For further information on engine cooling fan operation, refer to "Engine Cooling Fans" and "Cooling Fan Logic" in the Cooling System section of the 2000 L-Series L81 Engine Service Manual.
CORRECTION
Replace cooling fan control module.
Refer to procedure in this bulletin for cooling fan control module replacement.
PROCEDURES
- Disconnect negative battery cable.
- Use screwdriver to release retaining tab on cooling fan control module and remove module by sliding up and off bracket.
- Disconnect cooling fan control module electrical
- Obtain replacement cooling fan control module
- Connect cooling fan control module electrical connectors.
- Install fan control module by sliding down onto bracket. See Fig 1 .
- Connect negative battery cable. Torque: Battery Cable Bolts: 17 N-m (13 ft-lbs).
- Connect Tech 2 to vehicle and turn ignition to RUN position.
- Use Tech 2 to perform "3 Speed Fan" operational test. (Refer to Tech 2 User Guide for proper Scan tool navigation and setup.)
- Confirm that both cooling fans operate at LOW, MED, and HIGH speeds while performing test.
- If both cooling fans operate at all three speeds during the test, vehicle is repaired and no further diagnosis is necessary.
- If both cooling fans DO NOT operate at all three speeds during the test, refer to the Cooling System section of the 2000 L-Series L81 Engine Service Manual for further diagnostics.
PARTS REQUIREMENTS
12182160 - Module Asm - Fan Cont
CLAIM INFORMATION
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System using the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide and Labor Operation Code N0195 (Fan Unit, Engine Compartment Cooling Relay).
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.