Your Chevy Avalanche 1500’s cooling fan clutch is an integral piece of the cooling system. Your truck’s cooling fan clutch engages or disengages the cooling fan based on the engine’s temperature to make sure your truck is running cool. Replacing a failing cooling fan clutch on your 2003 Chevy Vortec 5.3-liter V8 engine is a simple repair that can prevent your vehicle from overheating and help improve gas mileage. Signs that you may need to replace your truck’s cooling fan clutch include noticing poor fuel economy, excessive engine noise, slower acceleration, a loss of power, or your Chevy might overheat. Your fan may also run sporadically, either running at all times or not working at all. You should replace a faulty cooling fan clutch as soon as you notice the issue to prevent your truck from overheating or performing less than satisfactory. Our detailed instructions can help replace a cooling fan clutch on your Chevrolet Avalanche.
Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Drain Pan
Ratchets
Sockets
Shop Towels
Fan Clutch Wrench
Pliers
Fan Clutch
Step 1: Disconnect Negative Battery Cable
Start by parking on a level surface and disconnecting the negative battery cable.
Step 2: Remove Engine Cover
Take off the engine cover by loosening the intake manifold sight bolt shield and remove the cover from the cover retainer. Remove the cover retainer bolts and the retainer, if required.
Step 3: Remove Air Cleaner Outlet Duct
Loosen the air cleaner outlet duct clamps at the throttle body and mass airflow/intake air temperature sensor. Then remove the radiator inlet hose clip from the outlet duct. Finally, remove the air cleaner outlet duct.
Step 4: Detach Radiator Vent Inlet Hose
Detach the radiator vent inlet hose from the radiator hose clips. Loosen the inlet hose clamp and remove the inlet hose from the water pump.
Step 5: Remove Fan Shroud Retainers
If equipped, remove the throttle body heater hose retainer and the inlet radiator hose retainer from the fan shroud. Now you can remove the fan shroud retainers.
Step 6: Remove Fan Shroud Bolts
After removing the retainers, remove the fan shroud bolts. You won’t be able to fully remove the fan shroud until the fan and clutch have been removed.
Step 7: Remove Upper Fan Shroud
Remove the upper fan shroud and set aside.
Step 8: Attach C-Clamp to Water Pump Pulley
Attach the c-clamp to the water pump pulley.
Step 9: Use Fan Clutch Wrench to Remove Fan Hub Nut
Attach a fan clutch wrench to the fan clutch. Remove the fan hub nut from the water pump by turning counterclockwise.
Step 10: Remove Fan
Remove the fan from the vehicle and lay it blade face down on a workbench.
Step 11: Remove Fan Clutch
Remove the fan bolts from the back of the fan clutch, then remove the old fan clutch from its housing.
Step 12: Install New Fan Clutch
Reinstall the fan blade by installing the fan bolts into the new fan clutch and tighten the bolts to 17 foot pounds.
Step 13: Reinstall Fan
Install the fan blade and clutch, and using the fan clutch installer, tighten the fan clutch nut clockwise to 41 foot pounds.
Step 14: Reinstall Fan Shroud and Bolts
Reinstall the fan shroud and bolts, and tighten the bolts to 80 inch pounds.
Step 15: Reinstall Fan Shroud Retainers
Install the fan shroud retainers and, if equipped, install the inlet radiator hose and throttle body heater hose retainer to the fan shroud.
Step 16: Reinstall Inlet Hose
Install the inlet hose and hose clamp on the water pump.
Step 17: Reinstall Air Cleaner Outlet Duct
Install the air cleaner outlet duct. Tighten the air cleaner outlet duct clamps at the throttle body and MAF/IAT sensor to 62 inch pounds.
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Do It Right: Be sure the arrow at the throttle body end of the duct is in alignment with the throttle body attaching stud. |
Step 18: Reinstall Engine Cover
Install the engine cover retainer by putting it in place and securing it with the retainer bolts, if required. Tighten the bolts to 44 inch pounds. Install the engine cover.
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Do It Right: Don’t let the cover contact the manifold absolute pressure sensor wire harness connector. |
Step 19: Reconnect Battery Cable
Reconnect your negative battery cable and close the hood.
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.