2008 Ford Exploder radiator fan issue
 

I was taking a look at my son-in-law‘s 2008 Ford Exploder with the 4.0 engine, because he said the engine was very loud. FYI, he’s not a car guy.

After starting it, the fan was very loud, and I assumed the clutch was shot. Looking at it more, I realize it has couple of wires going to it that engage the fan clutch. I’m not sure what sensor tells it to turn on, though.

If something was telling the fan to run with the electrical connection, I thought I would unplug it to see if it would stop. I did and it was just as loud as before. So, that tells me the fan clutch is bad, right?

So, anybody have any experience with the electrical Ford radiator fans?

Edit 1: when putting it in reverse, it’s a good jolt. Any ideas on what might cause that? No idea if and when the transmission filter and or fluid were changed. Would it hurt to change the filter and fluid?

Edit 2: he also has codes P0455 and P0457 and the gas cap light is illuminated on the dashboard. I thought that would be an easy fix with a new gas cap, but it’s the cap less fuel tank design. My 2014 F150 has that as well.

I found a couple easy answers would be to check the filler to see if anything is keeping the flap open and in some cases, the metal filler line rusts out.

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There should be a thermo switch in the coolant loop somewhere. That's the way it used to be when things were easy. Maybe the ECU or the specific controller or whatever also uses the head temp sender if it has one. Maybe if there is a discrepancy in sensors, the fan is told to run all the time for safety.

Yeah if you unplug the clutch it should idle quietly. Sounds like bearings or clutch not dis-engaging. Whack it with a hammer :D
Has the belt hardened up and gotten tight?

IDK the electronics these days. Check with the Ford forums which would probably know.

Reading some Ford exploder forums, I think three reasons were the electronic portion, a sensor on the transmission, which I guess helps cool transmission fluid, and the fan clutch itself.

I was going to to work on it this weekend, but since I’m going to the track next weekend, I need to work on the 330.

If there is a clunk/jolt when you put it in reverse, you might want to check the motor mounts that could also cause the fan to hit the shroud and make noise. As already stated there has to be a temp sensor somewhere either on the block or cylinder head that controls the fan.

Good idea about the motor mounts, maybe transmission mounts also. I have zero knowledge or about these cars.

Tstat failed? Where's the needle sitting? Dead center?

I’ll have to check next time I’m over. He did not mention anything about it overheating. Just a loud noise from the “engine“.