How to Replace the Fan in a Oldsmobile Alero

Your Oldsmobile Alero has an electric engine fan that can be replaced by a novice in under an hour. The only tools you need are a wrench and some non-conductive material to isolate the negative battery cable. These steps apply to replacing the engine fan in an Oldsmobile Alero with the 2.4L or 3.1L engine.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable on your Oldsmobile Alero battery and isolate it from the battery terminal with something that will not conduct electricity, like a clean dry rag or work glove.

2

Unplug the electrical wiring connector for the electric engine cooling fan from the wiring harness.

3

Use your wrench to loosen and remove the bolts holding the entire cooling fan assembly (including housing) in place. Lift the cooling fan assembly out of the engine compartment. Take careful note of which way the fan housing inserts into the engine compartment.

4

Inspect the insulator--a small piece in the upper portion of the fan blade assembly--and replace if it shows signs of wear. This step should be performed every time you service your vehicle's engine cooling fan.

5

Place the fan assembly back in the engine compartment, taking care to keep it oriented in the right direction.

6

Tighten the retaining bolts on the fan to 97 inch pounds (11 Nm) of torque.

7

Reconnect the negative battery cable, start the vehicle, and make sure that the fan operates correctly and is circulating air in the right direction.