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Audi A6 C5: How to Replace Radiator Fan

Replacing a bad radiator fan is a necessity to keep your Audi A6 C5 engine cool. Read on to learn how to do it.

By Bassem Girgis - April 4, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A6 C5 (1998-2004).

The radiator fan is designed to keep air flowing through the radiator at low speeds, to keep the engine running cool. Whether you want to replace your stock fan with an aftermarket, performance fan, or yours have gone bad, replacing it can be done at home. It's critically important you don't drive your Audi if your fan isn't working, as this can result in your engine overheating, which will cause permanent damage to it.

For this procedure, you will need to raise the front of the vehicle as high as your jack will allow it; this will allow you to pull the fan from the bottom, which is much easier than removing everything to get to it. If you have access to a lift or rails, then that would be the most ideal and easy way to do it. Read on to learn how you can replace your radiator fan on your own.

Audi A6 C5: How to Replace Radiator Fan

Materials Needed

  • Socket
  • High jack and jack stands (lift)
  • Phillips screwdriver

Step 1 – Remove fresh air scoop

Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the two Phillips screws holding the fresh air scoop to the top plastic cover, then disconnect the fresh air scoop from the air intake system. Remove the fresh air scoop out.

  • audi a6 c5 radiator cooling fan remove replace change how to
    Figure 1. Remove two screws.
  • audi a6 c5 radiator cooling fan remove replace change how to
    Figure 2. Remove fresh air scoop.

Step 2 – Remove top fan bolts

There are two bolts on top holding the fan in place: one on each side. Use your socket to remove the two bolts on top. Unplug the fan's electrical harness. It's the only electrical connection, which goes from the fan to a module directly above it. You will need to squeeze the plastic tab on the electrical harness, then pull it apart.

audi a6 c5 radiator cooling fan remove replace change how to
Figure 3. Remove two top bolts.

Step 3 – Raise the car

Use your high jack or lift to raise the front of the car as high as you can. Keep in mind that you will pull the fan from the bottom, so you need as much room as you can. Secure the car on jack stands.

audi a6 c5 radiator cooling fan remove replace change how to
Figure 4. Jack up the front of the car.

Step 4 – Remove lower fan bolts

The fan is held in place from the bottom by two bolts, which are aligned with the top ones. Use your socket to remove the bolts so you can free up the fan.

audi a6 c5 radiator cooling fan remove replace change how to
Figure 5. Remove fan's lower bolts.

Step 5 – Remove fan

Now that you've freed the fan, pull the fan gently out from the bottom of the car. You may need to pull one side first, then turn, depending on how much room you've created for yourself.

audi a6 c5 radiator cooling fan remove replace change how to
Figure 6. Remove fan.

Step 6 – Install new fan

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Slide the fan in from the bottom and align back in place, then tighten the two lower bolts. Tighten the top bolts, then connect the electrical connection from the fan module to the fan itself. Connect the fresh air scoop to the air intake, then tighten the two screws holding it to the top cover.

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