If your vehicle is equipped with a fan clutch, it is responsible for engaging and disengaging the engine cooling fan. The fan clutch is designed to save fuel and reduce wear on the engine by only running the fan when necessary. When the fan clutch goes bad, it can cause a number of problems.
The most common symptom of a faulty fan clutch is an overheating engine. If the fan clutch is not disengaging when it should, the engine will have to work harder to cool itself and this can lead to overheating. Another symptom of a problem with the fan clutch is strange noises coming from under the hood. If you hear a squealing or grinding noise when you first start your car in the morning, it could be an indication that the fan clutch bearing has gone bad.
A third symptom that can occur when the fan clutch goes bad is reduced fuel economy. Because the fans are always running, they put an extra load on the engine which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have your vehicle checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible since a faulty fan clutch can cause serious damage to your engine if left unchecked