* Purpose: Its primary function is to cool the engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine's internal combustion generates excessive heat. It supplements or sometimes replaces the traditional belt-driven fan.
* Components: The system consists of:
* Electric motor: This is the heart of the fan, converting electrical energy into rotational energy.
* Fan blades: These blades are attached to the motor shaft. Their rotation pulls air through the radiator, dissipating heat from the coolant.
* Radiator: The radiator is a heat exchanger; hot coolant flows through its fins, and the fan helps move air across these fins to cool the coolant.
* Temperature sensor (thermostat switch): This sensor monitors the coolant temperature. Once the coolant reaches a certain temperature (typically around 200-220°F or 93-104°C, the precise temperature depends on the specific Mustang model and year), it signals the control module to turn on the fan.
* Control module (or PCM - Powertrain Control Module): This module receives the signal from the temperature sensor and activates the electric motor to turn on the fan. In some cases, the A/C system might also trigger the fan to run, even if the coolant temperature isn't excessively high, to help cool the A/C condenser.
* Wiring harness: This connects the sensor, control module, and electric fan motor.
* Operation: When the engine is running and the coolant temperature rises above the set point, the temperature sensor sends a signal to the PCM. The PCM then sends power to the electric fan motor, causing it to rotate and draw air through the radiator. This lowers the coolant temperature. Once the coolant temperature drops below a certain point, the system shuts off the fan.
Different Mustang years and models might have slightly different designs or control strategies, but the basic principles remain the same. Some might have multiple speed settings, allowing for more precise cooling control.
