How to Replace the Fan in a Toyota Highlander

Replacing the engine fan on a Toyota Highlander is fairly complicated; you must remove the entire radiator assembly. A novice can replace a Toyota Highlander engine fan by following these steps, but prepare to spend the entire day at it and make certain to have the proper supplies on hand.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Marking pen or tape
• Clean, covered reservoir

1. • 1

     Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable on your Toyota Highlander. Loosen the coolant drain plug in the radiator and drain the engine coolant into a clean container that you can cover tightly and set aside.

   • 2

     Remove the radiator reserve tank hose and the inlet and outlet radiator hoses from their connections to the radiator. Take care to mark the exact location and orientation of any hose clamps with a marking pen or tape. Next, disconnect the number 2 and number 3 oil cooler outlet hoses.

   • 3

     Loosen and remove the upper radiator support bolts, then remove the support itself. You're going to have to remove the radiator as well. First disconnect the fan motor connector, then remove the radiator from the engine compartment. If you have a 3.3L engine, you'll also need to disconnect the engine coolant temperature switch number 1 connector before removing the radiator. Next, remove the lower radiator support.

   • 4

     Unbolt all six retaining bolts that hold the fan and motor assembly to the radiator. Install the new fan assembly and motor to the radiator and tighten the retaining bolts to 69 inch pounds (7.8 Nm) of torque.

   • 5

     Reinstall the radiator assembly. First reinstall the lower radiator support, then return the radiator to the engine compartment, then reconnect the engine coolant temperature switch number 1 connector (if you have a 3.3L engine). Plug the fan motor connector back in.

   • 6

     Replace the upper radiator support and tighten the upper radiator support bolts to 9 foot pounds (12.8 Nm) of torque. Reconnect the number 2 and number 3 oil cooler outlet hoses, then replace the radiator reserve tank hose and the inlet and outlet radiator hoses.

   • 7

     Make certain the coolant drain plug is closed, then refill the engine cooling system to the proper level. Reconnect your vehicle battery and run the engine. Check for coolant leaks and verify that the engine cooling fan is working properly.