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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a condenser fan relay?
Where can I get a condenser fan relay replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my condenser fan relay?
What happens if I don’t replace my condenser fan relay?
What does a condenser fan relay do?
Can I replace the condenser fan relay myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a condenser fan relay?

The average cost to replace a condenser fan relay is $63, with $19 for parts and $43 for labor costs. Prices vary depending on your vehicle and repair services in your area.

How long does it take to replace a condenser fan relay? It doesn’t take long to do this repair. A certified mechanic can usually complete the job in about 0.4 hours. This includes the time it takes to inspect the AC system and make a diagnosis.

Take a look at condenser fan relay replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 22, 2024	Milton, 25 Surprise, AZ	Mercury Mariner	$85	$10	$75	0.6 Hours
April 21, 2024	Francis, 27 Tulsa, OK	Jeep Compass	$105	$31	$74	0.6 Hours
April 21, 2024	Ina, 28 Monroe, NC	Infiniti J30	$103	$31	$72	0.6 Hours
April 15, 2024	Jesus, 39 Pensacola, FL	Buick Regal	$112	$31	$81	0.6 Hours
April 15, 2024	Michael, 38 Independence, MO	Pontiac Grand Prix	$102	$31	$71	0.6 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my condenser fan relay replacement and how much do those parts cost?

If you’re hoping to save on auto repair costs, doing the replacement yourself makes sense. The only part you need to buy is a new condenser fan relay. This will set you back anywhere from $10 to $60.

In addition to the new part, you’ve also got to have automotive tools in order to do the replacement. Here are some of the tools you might need:

Pliers

Small screwdriver

Work light

You can buy replacement condenser fan relay parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three reputable brands we recommend are Dorman, ACDelco, and Standard Motor Product. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

Some manufacturers require you to purchase an entirely new fan assembly if the relay goes out and you want to purchase an OEM part. If you’d like to save some money, an aftermarket replacement is a good option. Keep in mind that if you install an aftermarket replacement, you might risk voiding the warranty on your vehicle.

Where can I buy parts for my condenser fan relay?

Head to your local auto body shop or auto parts shops like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts or NAPA Auto Parts. Order the replacement online if they don’t have your relay in stock. Remember to double-check part numbers before you make your purchase.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get a condenser fan relay replaced?

Once you’ve identified the problem with your car’s air conditioning, you just want to get it fixed already! If you don’t have a mechanic, let Jerry's

GarageGuard™

help you find one. Download the app, and GarageGuard will compare fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US. Pretty easy, right?

To help you narrow down your choices, Jerry's GarageGuard™ also tells you what’s included in the estimate, and they’ll give you reviews from customers. You can feel confident that you’re choosing the best repair shop in your area.

Look at a few of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes near you.

118 Reviews

101 Auto Care

11945 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL

Condenser Fan Relay Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$179

(Parts - $19, Labor - $160)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$120

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (305) 712-3001

160 Reviews

O'Brien's Auto Repair LLC

46 Bayshore Rd, Green Creek, NJ

Condenser Fan Relay Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$119

(Parts - $19, Labor - $100)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$130

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (609) 889-4504

166 Reviews

H.A.D. Automotive

7080 Hazard Ave ste f, Huntington, CA

Condenser Fan Relay Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$169

(Parts - $19, Labor - $150)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (714) 897-7157

120 Reviews

Tisdell's Mobile Mechanic Services

Condenser Fan Relay Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$144

(Parts - $19, Labor - $125)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$75

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (346) 779-3305

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my condenser fan relay?

After the mechanic makes a diagnosis, here are the steps they take to swap out the relay:

Disconnect the battery: Wait a minute for the condenser fan blades to stop spinning.

Access the main fuse box: Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to press down on the fasteners that secure the lid and open the box.

Identify the condenser fan relay: Check the underside of the lid for a diagram mapping out the fuses and relays in the box.

Remove the bad condenser fan relay: Pinch the relay with your fingers and gently pull it free from the fuse box.

Install the new relay and close the fuse box: Check that the new relay part number matches the relay you just removed. If it does, push it into the fuse box.

Reconnect the battery and test the AC: Turn on the engine and check to see if cold air blows.

Tip: If you don’t see a fuse and relay diagram, check your owner’s manual for the location of the condenser fan relay.

What happens if I don’t replace my condenser fan relay?

It’s never a good idea to ignore car problems, especially a part that keeps your AC components cool. If you keep driving and trying to use the AC, the

engine can overheat

and become damaged. It costs a lot more to repair the engine than to replace the cooling fan relay, so you’d be looking at higher repair costs.

What does a condenser fan relay do?

Think of the relay as a signal that tells the air conditioning’s condenser fan when to turn on and off. You might hear this part called the cooling fan relay. The relay provides power to the fan in order to pull air through the radiator and condenser. Then, when the fan motor reaches a certain temperature, the relay tells the cooling fan to turn off. In some vehicles, the condenser fan works in tandem with a radiator fan—and both are powered by relays.

If the condenser fan relay is broken or damaged, it might not work at all (causing engine overheating), or it will be permanently stuck in the on position, which can disrupt airflow in the cabin.

How do I know if my condenser fan relay is bad?

If the air conditioner doesn’t work on a regular basis or it stops working entirely, the relay might be to blame. Here are more specific signs of a bad condenser fan relay:

The AC blows warm or hot air: If the relay goes out, the condenser won’t get the necessary power to stay cool. As a result, it will blow warm air because it can’t cool the refrigerant enough.

The engine overheats: This happens if the relay fails and disables the condenser fan. When the fan can’t cool itself, it overheats, which causes the engine to overheat, too. To avoid costly repairs, get your AC inspected as soon as possible.

The condenser fan makes a rattling sound: If you know your way around the condenser fan and remove the relay, you may hear a rattling sound if you shake the relay. This means the relay itself is broken.

How often should a condenser fan relay be replaced?

The condenser relay fan is the component of your AC that’s most likely to fail. Over time and with lots of use, the relay fails and could get stuck. As soon as the relay starts acting up and you notice the AC isn’t effectively cooling your car, it may be time to replace it.

Keep in mind: The condenser fan relay is not usually inspected during tune-ups or regular maintenance. If you suspect something is wrong with it, ask a technician to check it out.

Can I replace the condenser fan relay myself?

If you’ve got DIY automotive skills and feel comfortable working with your car’s fuse box, you should be able to swap out the condenser fan relay. However, if you’re not completely sure that the relay is causing the problem, get a professional inspection or have the mechanic service the AC. Working with coolant requires specialized training and certification, so it’s best to have a professional troubleshooting and repairing your AC system.

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FAQs

What causes the AC condenser fan relay to go bad?

The relay can fail if its electronics fail, a high current draw shorts the circuits, or ants get into the relay (which is actually a pretty common problem).

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.