The cooling fan on the Dodge Ram 5.2-liter engine uses a viscous coupler to apply more or less cooling as the engine speed changes. Removal of the fan and viscous coupler requires the removal of the fan shroud from the engine compartment. The fan, viscous coupler or other parts of the cooling system may require service to keep the system working at peak performance. Replacing the fan or viscous coupler with new pieces from the dealership may be required if either of them is failing.
Open the hood and locate the negative battery cable. Find the cable end where it attaches to the battery terminal. Remove the battery cable end retaining bolt with a wrench and remove the cable from the battery.
Remove the three mounting bolts that secure the coolant reserve tank to the radiator support with a socket and ratchet. Lift the coolant tank and set it off to one side. Do not disconnect the hoses. They are long enough to move out of the way.
Place a fan wrench, available from the dealer or a tool supplier, between the fan blades and the water-pump pulley. Insert the pins on the wrench into the holes on the pulley. Turn the fan blades clockwise while holding the fan wrench and keeping the water-pump pulley from moving. Turn the fan until it is free of the shaft but do not attempt to remove it yet.
Locate and remove the fan shroud to the radiator-mounting bolts using a socket and ratchet. Locate the lower shroud mounts and pull them out of the tank clips.
Lift the radiator shroud and the fan out of the engine compartment as a unit. Be careful not to damage the radiator when lifting the shroud and fan out.
