Engine Fan NoiseIf your vehicle is equipped with a clutched engine coolingfan, when the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster toprovide more air to cool the engine. In most everydaydriving conditions, the fan is spinning slower and theclutch is not fully engaged. This improves fuel economyand reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading,trailer towing, and/or high outside temperatures, the fanspeed increases as the clutch more fully engages, so youmay hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal andshould not be mistaken as the transmission slipping ormaking extra shifts. It is merely the cooling systemfunctioning properly. The fan will slow down whenadditional cooling is not required and the clutchdisengages.You may also hear this fan noise when you start theengine. It will go away as the fan clutch partiallydisengages.If your vehicle is equipped with electric cooling fans, youmay hear the fans spinning at low speed during mosteveryday driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling isrequired. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,and/or high outside temperatures, or if you are operatingyour air conditioning system, the fans change to highspeed and you may hear an increase in fan noise. Thisis normal and indicates that the cooling system isfunctioning properly. The fans will change to low speedwhen additional cooling is no longer required.Power Steering FluidSee Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 forpower steering fluid reservoir location.When to Check Power Steering FluidIt is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluidunless you suspect there is a leak in the system oryou hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this systemcould indicate a problem. Have the system inspectedand repaired.5-34
