$850 for new fan clutch

[dward]

My 03 has seemed to be running on the warm side and the eng temp would get pretty high before the fan would come on.
My mechanic replaced the radiator and wanted to put a bigger turbo on saying this would solve the problem. I let him do the radiator but don't think I need a bigger turbo.
I run a Smarty on level 3. On my last program, I noticed I had 2 codes P0483 and 0480 cooling fan control circuit and fan speed sensor.
I was at the dealer today for the tie rod recall and had them check the fan. It needs replaced to the tune of $850 parts/labor. Wish my mechanic would have checked that.
The service manager said he would try to find a cheaper after market part, but I remember reading here that OEM is the way to go.
So, in 2 days hopefully my cooling issue will be solved.
Does that sound like a reasonable price?

 

[Tuesdak]

In theory a bigger turbo lets more heat out of the engine and in practice I have seen it reduce cooling fan need on other diesels while working them hard.

Did the dealer check the fan clutch wiring? It may have rubbed through on the radiator and is shorting out or broken. You can fix a wiring harness all the way to the clutch itself fairly cheap. Dealers, of course, just replace the part with the bad wire.

These codes may mean the fan won't get up to a specific RPM range after a specified time out indicating a worn out/bad fan clutch. But the 'control circuit' error would appear to be wiring at first glance.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Very common failure; the fan shorts internally and throws the control circuit code because the signal voltage is pulled down.

 

[dward]

I just spoke to the service manager. His tech said there was power to the fan so he feels it's the clutch.
If not, I won't be charged for the new one so I can't complain.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I covered fan clutch replacement a couple years ago in TDR. It doesn't take so long to replace in an 03 or early 04; sounds like more labor hours than is reasonable. Yes, you want to get the Mopar part, and I have found them on line and discounted locally for around $350.

 

[SWithrow]

Geno's has the fan clutch for $385... 52028879AF

The service manager said he would try to find a cheaper after market part, but I remember reading here that OEM is the way to go.
So, in 2 days hopefully my cooling issue will be solved.
Does that sound like a reasonable price?

 

[Prairie Dog]

It's easy work to replace it especially if you get the appropriate fan-clutch wrench from Oreilly's for $20.

 

[dward]

Thanks for the posts. I'll pick it up tomorrow.

 

[dward]

Picked up the truck today. $888.
$470 for the fan clutch, $350 labor and tax.
Probably a little pricy, but it's done.

 

[JBallou]

I would be interested to see what book time is. Diagnosing and replacing isn't 3 hours.

 

[rscurtis]

I agree- I only paid a little more than that to have all the HVAC doors replaced at the local dealer.

 

[wcjp]

When my 06' electronic clutch fan dies again I'll go aftermarket.

 

[cerberusiam]

When my 06' electronic clutch fan dies again I'll go aftermarket.

Whne you find one that will perform at the level the OE fan and clutch does please let everyone know. To date, there is no better solution than OE for the 3rd gens.

 

[daryl]

I bought and installed a dorman fan clutch. Replaced it within a year with another dorman due to the shaft getting wobbly. Under warranty but... It was half the cost as OEM but it won't spin as fast as an OEM fan. You get what you pay for...

 

[Killgore]

I lost my fan clutch, fan and managed to punch a hole in the radiator with the plug off the fan clutch cable while plowing through a mud puddle that turned into something bigger on the Spotsylvania Battlefield in Virginia. Managed to replace the fan and clutch for $165 with OE. Oh, I was lucky to find a wrecked '06.
- Ed