jbrittmart

Hello all,

I was changing the coolant on my 2008 LS460 today and once I got it refilled and was running the engine to bleed the system I noticed that the driver side radiator fan wasn't spinning at all, and I'm guessing that is has failed. The passenger side was spinning and working as usual. My question is how big a problem is this? Is the fan easy to replace? Any advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Gerf

Was the ac on?

jbrittmart

Yes. AC was on. Does each fan work under different circumstances or something?

Gerf

I would shut the AC off and run it up to temp to see if it runs, or run a jumper to the motor with power and ground with the connector off of course then it should run with the car off. If either doesn't work then you can start diagnosing.

Sorry, if the motor doesn't turn with a separate power supply then it's pooched.

Anfanger

You can check the fan connector if it is energized. It should give an idea where to look next.

Gerf

I haven't had many issues with my 460 but Toyota products have a sensor on the bottom tank of the rad and when it's unplugged the fans will run with the ignition on, I haven't looked to see if there is one on my car.

Boykie

Fan motor going out is not unheard of, I've replaced at least 4 in last couple of years (including 1 on mine but as a precaution as it started making noise).
It's quite dangerous to drive like that actually, if it's hot outside and with a/c on.
Had one go out on my 430 and it was near catastrophic because I've noticed it when it was [almost] too late.
Motor itself got a rather high price for oem branded part. I've sourced mine from Japan if I remember correctly, from oem manufacturer (same markings, and both motors are different!) for about half price (but paid steep shipping as it's about 4lbs per one).
I may have some pics of the part somewhere, but I think mine was the opposite one of yours... I'll check but don't get hopes up yet.
Oh and replacement is pretty easy if you're handy. Fan shroud can be weaseled out without taking rad off, but upper coolant hose may need to be disconnected (thus making coolant adding and bleeding air necessary afterwards).

Boykie

So yea, I've found old yahoo jp lots I've ordered, both motors. One has (had) 'for 5 paddle fan', other has 'for 7 paddle fan' in lot description's translation.
I've paid about 50usd each, plus shipping, both were 7lbs packed.

レクサスGS/GS460/URS190【社外新品】電動ファンモーター/1 and
レクサスGS/GS460/URS190【社外新品】電動ファンモーター/2

Gerf

Forgot to ask, is your car overheating? the cooling fan will cycle on and off as needed and is useless at highway speeds.

jbrittmart

Car is not overheating at all. Steady in the middle of the gauge and AC and heat work fine.

Gerf

Well, I don't think you have a problem if that's the case. Take it for a drive with the AC off and see what happens.

jbrittmart

I've run it with the AC off and neither fan runs. With the AC or heat on the passenger side fan runs. The driver side is a smaller fan, only 5 blades as opposed to 7 on the passenger. Can anyone confirm what exactly causes the driver side fan to run so I can try that? Also I've tried to get the connector off to test power, but that thing is so damn frustrating. I can't seem to get it off; I feel like I'm going to break it. Any advice on getting the power connector off? This radiator fan is making me feel dumb.