How to Replace the Fan in a VW Beetle

Replacing the engine fan in a new VW Beetle is quite complicated and may be frustrating for a novice. Some special tools are required. These steps apply to the "new" VW Beetle, as the vintage VW Beetle was produced with an air-cooled engine that didn't have an engine fan.

Instructions

1

Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable on your VW beetle. Drain the engine coolant by placing a clean container that can be covered underneath the drain plug. Open the drain plug to allow the coolant to flow out and then cap the container and set it aside. Next, remove the front bumper.

2

Remove the coolant hoses from the radiator and disconnect the connectors from the thermal switch and coolant fan. Then, remove the lock carrier.

3

Unbolt the radiator and remove it from the vehicle. If your VW Beetle has air conditioning you also need to remove the retaining clamps from the refrigerant lines, unbolt the condenser and remove it from the radiator, and then secure the air conditioning condenser to the vehicle body so the refrigerant lines and hoses aren't kinked, stretched or otherwise under stress. Don't disconnect any of the refrigerant lines.

4

Loosen the bolts holding the engine cooling fan in place on the radiator and remove it. Bolt the new engine cooling fan in place and restore the radiator to its original location. Bolt the radiator in place and, if your VW Beetle has air conditioning, bolt the condenser to the radiator.

5

Replace the retaining clamps from the refrigerant lines, if you removed them. Return the lock carrier to its original position, and then reconnect the thermal switch and coolant fan connectors and reconnect the coolant hoses.

6

Make sure the radiator drain is closed, and then refill the cooling system with the coolant you removed in Step 1 and bleed air, as necessary. Reconnect the vehicle battery and test the fan for proper operation. Also, check for coolant leaks.