How to Replace a Radiator Fan 01-05 Honda Civic

Difficulty: Advanced · About 75 min · Honda Civic

Replace the radiator cooling fan assembly, including removing the battery for access, on a 2001-2005 Honda Civic.

Steps

1. Drain the coolant

   With the engine cool, place a drain pan under the drain plug, twist it open, let the coolant drain, then remove the radiator cap.

2. Remove the battery

   Loosen both battery cables with a 10mm wrench, pull the mounting bolt's retaining clip and remove the bolts, then lift out the battery, its cover and its lower retainer.

3. Remove the coolant overflow bottle

   Remove its single 10mm bolt, lift it out while unclipping its hose, then pry off the lower hose's retaining clip and pull the hose free.

4. Remove the old fan assembly

   Place a drip pan under the coolant hose, remove the ground wire's 10mm bolt, loosen the hose clamp and remove the hose, remove the fan assembly's two 10mm bolts, disconnect its wiring and temperature sensor, then pull it out and transfer the center cover to the new fan.

5. Install the new fan assembly

   Lower it into place, connect its wiring harness, tighten the top 10mm mounting bolts, reconnect the temperature sensor, refit the coolant hose and its clamps, then tighten the ground bolt.

6. Reinstall the overflow bottle

   Refit its hose and clamp, clip the hose to the bottle, seat the bottle in its slot, then tighten its bolt.

7. Reinstall the battery

   Refit the lower retainer and battery, replace its cover and mount, then reconnect both cables.

8. Refill the coolant

   Tighten the drain plug, fill through a funnel (filtering reused coolant through a cloth if needed), then refit the radiator cap.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.