Equinox A/C not consistently cooling

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

bacmb

New member
Joined
Jun 27, 2026
Messages
1
Reaction score
1
Location
USA
My sister has a 2018 Equinox (1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder (LYX)) that has ok cold a/c when driving, but it gets warmer when idling at a stoplight (like warmer than it used to be). If you start the car with the ac off, the radiator fan doesn't spin. If you turn the ac to max, the fan moves about 1/2 a blade width, pauses, then starts spinning, but there's a noise i take to be grinding. I believe this is a bad fan and was going to order the assembly, but I thought I'd ask other opinions before taking that step. Any feedback appreciated!
 

Hey Vern!

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Member Relations Specialist
Joined
Mar 24, 2023
Messages
628
Reaction score
244
Location
South Central PA
My sister has a 2018 Equinox (1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder (LYX)) that has ok cold a/c when driving, but it gets warmer when idling at a stoplight (like warmer than it used to be). If you start the car with the ac off, the radiator fan doesn't spin. If you turn the ac to max, the fan moves about 1/2 a blade width, pauses, then starts spinning, but there's a noise i take to be grinding. I believe this is a bad fan and was going to order the assembly, but I thought I'd ask other opinions before taking that step. Any feedback appreciated!
The ac issue may just be that the system needs a charge.
In regard to the fan, the delay and noise may point to a defective fan motor.
 

2025 Red Equinox

Active member
Joined
Aug 26, 2025
Messages
111
Reaction score
42
Location
USA
My sister has a 2018 Equinox (1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder (LYX)) that has ok cold a/c when driving, but it gets warmer when idling at a stoplight (like warmer than it used to be). If you start the car with the ac off, the radiator fan doesn't spin. If you turn the ac to max, the fan moves about 1/2 a blade width, pauses, then starts spinning, but there's a noise i take to be grinding. I believe this is a bad fan and was going to order the assembly, but I thought I'd ask other opinions before taking that step. Any feedback appreciated!


You are on the right track.

When stopped with the engine and a/c running - there is not enough airflow over the a/c condenser and engine radiator. This causes the a/c output temperature to rise inside the car.

While driving, the cooling fan is not needed due to the airflow across the condenser and engine radiator. The a/c operates normally. With very high ambient temperatures, the fan will be commanded to operate on a high RPM, to assist cooling.

The cooling fan module contains the frame, fan and motor, and the wiring harness. It is rather easy to replace for someone with basic mechanical skills.
 

Members online

Latest posts

Top