Before you begin ANY work on your vehicle, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. Improperly disconnecting or removing components can lead to injury or damage.
General steps (will vary):
1. Disconnect the Battery: This is crucial to prevent electrical shorts and injury. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
2. Identify the Fan Type: Determine if you have a viscous fan clutch, an electric fan, or both. Viscous fans are driven directly by the engine; electric fans are controlled electronically.
3. Viscous Fan:
* Coolant: Let the engine cool completely before working on it. Hot coolant can cause serious burns.
* Fan shroud removal: Often, you'll need to remove the fan shroud (the plastic or metal housing surrounding the fan) before accessing the fan itself. This usually involves removing several screws or bolts.
* Fan Clutch Removal: This is usually a matter of removing a large nut or bolt at the center of the fan clutch. You may need a specialized tool or a socket that fits this nut tightly. Sometimes, the clutch is seized, requiring penetrating oil and potentially a significant amount of force to break free.
* Fan Removal: Once the clutch is removed, the fan itself should come off.
4. Electric Fan:
* Electrical Connections: Disconnect the electrical connector(s) leading to the fan motor.
* Mounting Bolts/Clamps: Locate and remove the bolts or clamps that secure the fan to the radiator or the shroud. This often involves accessing the back of the radiator.
* Fan Removal: Carefully remove the fan.
5. Combination (Viscous & Electric): You may need to remove both the viscous fan and the electric fan, following the steps above for each.
Important Considerations:
* Tools: You'll likely need various tools, including sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, possibly a fan clutch wrench, and possibly a ratchet.
* Access: Working on this area can be tight. You might need to remove other components (e.g., belts, hoses) to gain better access to the fan.
* Safety: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Be careful of sharp edges and hot surfaces.
* Photography: Take pictures before you start disconnecting anything. This will be invaluable when reassembling the fan.
Again, it's impossible to give precise instructions without knowing the exact year, model, and engine of your Ford Transit. Consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle for detailed, step-by-step instructions with diagrams. You can find these manuals online or at auto parts stores. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your Transit to a qualified mechanic.
