Nissan Versa Cooling Fan Relay Location

Understanding the cooling system in your Nissan Versa is crucial for maintaining its optimal performance and preventing potentially catastrophic engine damage. The cooling fan plays a pivotal role in this system, especially during periods of high load or when the vehicle is stationary, forcing air across the radiator to dissipate heat. The cooling fan relay, a small but vital component, acts as a switch, controlling the electrical power supplied to the fan motor. Locating and understanding the function of this relay is beneficial for troubleshooting cooling system issues.

Why Locate the Cooling Fan Relay?

Before delving into the specific location, let's explore why you might need to find the cooling fan relay in the first place. Here are some common scenarios:

Cooling Fan Failure: If your Versa's cooling fan isn't operating, even when the engine is overheating, the relay is a prime suspect. A faulty relay can prevent power from reaching the fan motor.
Overheating Problems: Intermittent overheating, especially at low speeds or while idling, can also point to a relay issue. The relay might be failing to activate the fan when needed.
Electrical Troubleshooting: When diagnosing broader electrical issues within the cooling system, testing the relay is a standard procedure.
Preventive Maintenance: Some owners proactively replace relays as part of their routine maintenance, especially in older vehicles. Relays can degrade over time due to heat and electrical stress.

Knowing the relay's location allows you to perform basic diagnostics, such as swapping it with a known good relay (of the same type and amperage) to see if the cooling fan starts working. It also enables you to test the relay with a multimeter to check for continuity and proper operation.

Locating the Cooling Fan Relay in a Nissan Versa

The cooling fan relay location can vary slightly depending on the specific year and trim level of your Nissan Versa. However, it is typically found within one of the vehicle's main electrical boxes. These boxes are usually located in one of two places:

1. Under the Hood: The Engine Compartment Fuse/Relay Box

This is the most common location. Open the hood of your Nissan Versa. Look for a black plastic box, usually rectangular or square, near the battery, or along the inner fender walls. The box will have a removable lid, secured by clips or latches. This is the engine compartment fuse and relay box.

Steps to Identify the Cooling Fan Relay Inside the Box:

Open the Lid: Carefully unclip or unlatch the lid of the fuse and relay box.
Consult the Diagram: The inside of the lid should have a diagram identifying the location of each fuse and relay. This diagram is crucial for accurate identification. Look for a relay labeled "Cooling Fan Relay," "Fan Relay," or something similar. The diagram may also indicate which of the relays are for "low speed" or "high speed" fan operation, if applicable.
Physical Inspection: Once you've identified the relay on the diagram, locate it physically within the box. It's a small, cube-shaped component, typically black or gray. Relays are often standardized sizes. It will have several pins that connect to the electrical circuit within the relay box.
Relay Type: Note the type of relay and its amperage rating. This information is usually printed directly on the relay itself. You will need this information if you need to replace the relay. Common relay types include SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) or SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw).

Important Note: The exact location and labeling can differ based on the year and trim. Always refer to the diagram on the inside of the fuse box lid. If the diagram is missing or illegible, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a reliable online resource that provides wiring diagrams for your specific Versa model.

2. Under the Dashboard: The Interior Fuse Box

Less commonly, the cooling fan relay might be located in the interior fuse box. This fuse box is typically located under the dashboard, often on the driver's side, near the steering column, or on the passenger side. It might be behind a small access panel.

Steps to Locate the Relay:

Locate the Fuse Box: Find the access panel for the interior fuse box. It's often a small, rectangular panel that can be pried open.
Consult the Diagram: Once you've opened the access panel, you'll see the fuse box. Like the engine compartment box, the interior fuse box should also have a diagram showing the location of each fuse and relay.
Identify the Cooling Fan Relay: Look for the relay labeled "Cooling Fan Relay," "Fan Relay," or a similar designation on the diagram.
Physical Inspection: Locate the relay physically within the box based on the diagram.

Important Note: Locating the relay in the interior fuse box is less common, but it's worth checking if you can't find it under the hood. Again, consult your owner's manual or a reliable online resource for specific information about your Versa model.

Testing the Cooling Fan Relay

Once you've located the cooling fan relay, you can test it to see if it's functioning correctly. There are two primary methods:

1. Relay Swapping (The Quick Test)

This is the simplest method for a quick diagnosis. If you have another relay in the fuse box that is identical to the cooling fan relay (same type, same amperage), you can temporarily swap them. For instance, the horn relay or the fog light relay might be a suitable substitute.

Procedure:

Identify a Substitute Relay: Find another relay in the fuse box that has the same specifications as the cooling fan relay.
Swap the Relays: Carefully remove both relays and swap their positions.
Test the Cooling Fan: Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature. Observe whether the cooling fan now operates correctly. Also, attempt to use the function associated with the substitute relay (horn, fog lights) to see if it now fails.
Interpret the Results:
- If the cooling fan now works, but the substitute function (horn, fog lights) fails, the original cooling fan relay is likely faulty.
- If the cooling fan still doesn't work, the problem is likely not the relay. You'll need to investigate other components, such as the fan motor, temperature sensor, or wiring.

2. Multimeter Testing (The Detailed Test)

For a more thorough diagnosis, you can test the relay using a multimeter. This requires a basic understanding of electrical circuits and the function of a relay.

Required Tools:

Multimeter
12V Power Source (e.g., a battery charger or a spare 12V battery)
Jumper Wires

Procedure:

Identify Relay Terminals: Refer to the relay's diagram (usually printed on the relay itself) to identify the coil terminals (typically labeled 85 and 86) and the switch terminals (typically labeled 30 and 87). Some relays have a Normally Closed (NC) terminal (87a) in addition to the Normally Open (NO) terminal (87).
Continuity Test (Coil): Set the multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a diode symbol or a buzzer). Touch the multimeter probes to the coil terminals (85 and 86). You should hear a beep or see a low resistance reading (typically a few hundred ohms). If there's no continuity, the relay coil is open and the relay is faulty.
Actuation Test:
- Connect the coil terminals (85 and 86) to a 12V power source using jumper wires. The relay should click when power is applied. This indicates that the coil is energizing.
- If the relay doesn't click, the coil is not energizing and the relay is faulty.
Continuity Test (Switch):
- De-energized: With the relay de-energized (no power applied to the coil), set the multimeter to the continuity setting. Touch the multimeter probes to the common terminal (30) and the Normally Closed (NC) terminal (87a), if present. You should hear a beep or see a low resistance reading. Touch the probes to the common terminal (30) and the Normally Open (NO) terminal (87). You should not hear a beep or see a low resistance reading.
- Energized: With the relay energized (12V applied to the coil), set the multimeter to the continuity setting. Touch the multimeter probes to the common terminal (30) and the Normally Open (NO) terminal (87). You should now hear a beep or see a low resistance reading. Touch the probes to the common terminal (30) and the Normally Closed (NC) terminal (87a), if present. You should not hear a beep or see a low resistance reading.
Interpret the Results: If the relay fails any of these tests, it is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.

Replacing the Cooling Fan Relay

Replacing the cooling fan relay is a straightforward process. Simply remove the faulty relay from the fuse box and install a new relay of the same type and amperage rating. Ensure the new relay is firmly seated in the socket. Consult your owner's manual or a reputable auto parts store to ensure you purchase the correct replacement relay for your specific Nissan Versa model.

Final Thoughts: By understanding the cooling fan relay's function and location, you can effectively troubleshoot cooling system problems in your Nissan Versa. Remember to always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. If you are not comfortable performing electrical diagnostics, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic.