The temperature needle climbs in traffic, the fan never cuts in, and by the time you notice, the engine is already too hot. A cooling fan is the cheapest part of the system and the one that fails most quietly — until the day it does not spin at all.
The trouble is choosing one. A 16 inch fan moves 3000 CFM and a 10 inch fan moves 800, but only if the fan fits, only if the wiring can carry the draw, and only if the thermostat actually cuts in. Buy the wrong size and the fan works for nothing; wire it wrong and the fuse blows on the hottest day of the year.
This guide reviews five battery cooling accessories — 12V electric radiator fans and fan controllers — on maker documents, listing evidence and owner reports, with complaints stated plainly. Four picks carry verified Amazon buttons; one carries a written alternative with a substitute button, because no live Amazon listing for it could be verified.
The 30-second answer
Buy the A-Team Performance 160061 for the best overall battery cooling accessory: a 16 inch electric radiator fan moving 3000 CFM, with a thermostat kit that turns on at 200 degrees and off at 180. Buy the STMGW 16 inch fan for add-on cooling with a thermostat wiring kit. Buy the BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 inch slim fan for a tight bay. Buy the Derale 16759 for an adjustable fan controller. The Hayden 3700 is a quiet 16 inch fan whose Amazon listing could not be verified, so it carries a written alternative with a substitute button below.
How we researched this guide
We profiled 8 battery cooling accessories, checked 4 maker documents, verified 4 Amazon listings, and reviewed 3 owner-report roundups. Four picks carry verified Amazon buttons and one carries a written alternative; the rest were set aside on size, airflow or missing verification.
Quick picks
Best Overall
A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM
A 16 inch electric radiator fan moving 3000 CFM, with a heavy-duty thermostat that turns on at 200 degrees Fahrenheit and off at 180, in a reversible push-or-pull S-blade design.
Best Add-On Fan
STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit
A 16 inch electric radiator fan moving 3000 CFM on 12 volts, with a thermostat wiring switch relay kit included, first listed in October 2022.
Best Slim Fan
BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM
A slim 10 inch electric radiator fan moving 800 CFM on 12 volts at 80 watts, in a push-or-pull design from a family of 10, 12, 14 and 16 inch sizes.
Best Fan Controller
Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp
An adjustable electric fan controller rated at 25 amps, with activation from 150 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit and a push-in probe that turns the fan off 10 degrees below the turn-on.
Best Quiet Fan
Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan
A quiet 16 inch electric fan moving 1400 CFM in free air and 1150 CFM across a typical radiator, with a full finger-guard shroud and a thin profile.
We could not verify a live Amazon listing for this exact model from public listing data, so this guide carries no direct buy button for it. It is sold through Hayden dealers. The closest verified buy in this guide is the A-Team Performance 160061 16 in fan, below.
Closest verified buy in this guide: A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM
Match a pick to your cooling job, your size and your habits
Battery cooling calculator — enter your own requirements
Step 1 — What needs cooling?
Step 2 — What size fits?
Step 3 — What matters most?
Tell the calculator what needs cooling first — a radiator fan and a controller are different jobs. Add the size that fits and what matters most, and your matching pick appears here, with its buying route stated honestly.
Quick compare
| Product | Size | Airflow | Power | Best for | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM | 16 in | 3000 CFM | 120W | Radiator replacement | Check Price |
| STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit | 16 in | 3000 CFM | 120W | Add-on cooling | Check Price |
| BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM | 10 in | 800 CFM | 80W | Small spaces and dual setups | Check Price |
| Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp | Controller only | No fan | 25 amp | Fan control | Check Price |
| Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan | 16 in | 1400 CFM | 16.5 amp | Quiet replacement | No verified Amazon listing — verified buy: Check Price Substitute: A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM |
How to choose battery cooling accessories
1. Match the airflow to the engine
CFM is the headline, but read it carefully. A 16 inch fan moving 3000 CFM suits a full-size radiator, while a 10 inch fan at 800 CFM suits a small bay or a dual setup. Check the maker’s free-air figure against the across-radiator figure — the Hayden 3700 moves 1400 CFM in free air but 1150 across a typical radiator. Match the airflow to the engine, not the headline.
2. Measure the fan before you buy it
A 16 inch fan needs 16 inches of space plus depth, and a thick fan will not fit a tight bay. The A-Team fan is 3.26 inches thick, while the Hayden is 2 inches deep with a 4-1/4 inch motor. Measure the radiator, the depth and the mount — the Hayden mounts in a 15-3/4 by 16-3/4 inch space — before you order.
3. Push or pull, not both
A reversible fan can push air through the radiator from the front or pull it from the engine side, but it cannot do both at once. Pulling from the engine side is the usual setup and works with the car’s natural airflow. Pick the side that fits, seal the shroud flat against the core, and never mount a fan with gaps around the edges.
4. A controller is a pick too
A fan without a thermostat either runs all the time or never runs, and both are bad for the engine. A thermostat kit, such as the A-Team’s 200 on and 180 off, switches the fan at a fixed temperature. An adjustable controller, such as the Derale 16759 from 150 to 240 degrees, lets you set the temperature — and it turns off 10 degrees below the turn-on.
5. Mind the amperage
A 16 inch fan draws real current: the Hayden 3700 draws 16.5 amps, and the 16 inch fans here run at 120 watts on a 12 volt circuit. Check that the wiring, the relay and the fuse can carry the draw before you fit the fan. A circuit rated below the fan draw blows fuses and can melt connectors on the hottest day of the year.
6. Check the seller before you buy
The BBB does not publish product-level complaint counts for most accessories, and no specific complaint counts for these fans were found. Check the seller’s BBB profile, read the recent reviews, and buy from a seller with a clear return policy. A single forum report of a controller failing is noted in this guide, with the caveat that it is one report.
Battery cooling accessories by budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | 10 in slim fan for a small bay | BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 in |
| Mid | 16 in fan with a thermostat kit | A-Team 160061, STMGW 16 in |
| Control | Adjustable controller for an existing fan | Derale 16759 |
Types of battery cooling accessories
| Type | Best for | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Electric radiator fan | Radiator replacement, add-on cooling | Needs a relay and wiring |
| Slim push-pull fan | Tight bays and dual setups | Lower airflow than a full fan |
| Adjustable fan controller | Existing fan control, custom temperatures | No fan included |
| Dual fan kit | High airflow in a wide radiator | Needs more space and wiring |
Detailed reviews: every pick, on maker evidence
Five products follow, in the order we would buy them for cooling a battery or a battery coolant radiator. Every figure comes from the maker’s documents or the Sources below, and four picks carry verified Amazon buttons while one carries a written alternative with a substitute button.
Best Overall: A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM
Best Overall
Why the A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM is our pick
Because it moves the most air with the least fuss. The 160061 is a 16 inch electric radiator fan moving 3000 CFM on 12 volts, with an 8-blade S-blade that reverses for push or pull, and a heavy-duty thermostat kit that turns the fan on at 200 degrees Fahrenheit and off at 180. It is the fan we would fit first on a full-size radiator.
A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM key specs
- Size: 16 in diameter
- Airflow: 3000 CFM
- Voltage: 12V DC
- Blade: 8-blade S-blade, reversible push or pull
- Thickness: 3.26 in
- Thermostat: Kit included, 200°F on and 180°F off
- Power: 120W, per one roundup
- Mounting: Universal, with thermostat kit
- Warranty: Per maker listing
- Buying channel: Verified Amazon listing, ASIN B01MTLGP1Q
A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM: fits and best for
Best for a full-size radiator replacement where airflow matters most. For the wiring, our multimeter guide covers proving a fan circuit fault.
A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM pros and watch-outs
Pros
- 3000 CFM is the strongest airflow here
- Thermostat kit included, 200 on and 180 off
- Reversible push or pull
- Universal fit for most radiators
Watch-outs
- 3.26 in thick — check the depth before you buy
- Some owners report plastic mounting tabs breaking
- 120W draw needs a relay and a proper fuse
A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM: what owners report
- A roundup from Motors and Pump records the thermostat kit turning on at 200 degrees and off at 180, with an 8-blade S-blade fan.
- The listing data records 12 volts, 3000 CFM, a reversible push and pull S-blade, a 16 inch diameter and a 3.26 inch thickness, with a thermostat kit included.
A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM: who should not buy
Skip it if your bay is tight — a 16 inch fan at 3.26 inches thick needs real space, and the 10 inch slim fan below fits where this one cannot. Skip it if you want a quiet fan; the Hayden below is the quiet pick. And skip it if your radiator is small; 3000 CFM is more than a small core needs.
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Tip: Fit the thermostat probe per the maker’s instructions and test the cut-in before you drive — the fan should start at 200 degrees. Our 12V air compressors guide covers tyre work after a cooling job.
Best Add-On Fan: STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit
Best Add-On Fan
Why the STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit is our pick
Because it comes with the wiring. The STMGW 16 inch fan moves 3000 CFM on 12 volts at 120 watts, and the box includes a thermostat wiring switch relay kit — the part most fans make you buy separately. For an add-on fan on an engine swap or a weak mechanical fan, the kit in the box is the difference. A thermostat kit bought separately costs money and time, and the wrong relay can leave a fan dead on the hottest day.
STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit key specs
- Size: 16 in diameter
- Airflow: 3000 CFM
- Voltage: 12V DC
- Power: 120W
- Connector: 3-pin
- Kit: Thermostat wiring switch relay kit included
- First listed: October 26, 2022
- Use: Radiator cooling fan replacement and add-on cooling
- Warranty: Per maker listing
- Buying channel: Verified Amazon listing, ASIN B0BKKJFBPG
STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit: fits and best for
Best for adding cooling to an engine swap or a weak mechanical fan. For the battery, our jump starter guide covers a flat battery after a long day in the bay.
STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit pros and watch-outs
Pros
- 3000 CFM, matching the A-Team fan
- Thermostat wiring switch relay kit included
- 3-pin connector for a clean install
- 120W draw is manageable with a relay
Watch-outs
- No published blade count or thickness
- Fewer owner reports than the A-Team fan
- Thermostat temperatures not published
STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit: what owners report
- No owner reports broken out by fan are in the sources captured: the owner-facing sources are roundups, and none of them tests this fan by name.
- The listing data records 12 volts, 120 watts, a 3-pin connection, 3000 CFM and a thermostat wiring switch relay kit in the box, first available October 26, 2022.
STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit: who should not buy
Skip it if you need published thermostat temperatures — the A-Team fan above states 200 on and 180 off. Skip it if you want the most owner reports; this fan has fewer. And skip it if your bay is tight; a 16 inch fan needs real space.
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Tip: Use the included relay kit rather than wiring the fan straight to the battery — the relay is there for a reason. Our borescope guide covers looking inside a radiator neck before you fit a fan.
Best Slim Fan: BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM
Best Slim Fan
Why the BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM is our pick
Because a tight bay needs a slim fan. The BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 inch fan moves 800 CFM on 12 volts at 80 watts, in a slim push-or-pull design, and it comes from a family of 10, 12, 14 and 16 inch sizes moving 800 to 1000 CFM. For a small radiator, a dual setup or a bay with no depth to spare, the slim profile is the point.
BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM key specs
- Size: 10 in diameter
- Airflow: 800 CFM
- Voltage: 12V DC
- Power: 80W
- Model: F17502-07-BK, also listed as ER9802
- Colour: Black
- Family: 10, 12, 14 and 16 in sizes, 800 to 1000 CFM
- Mounting: Push or pull, slim profile
- Warranty: Per maker listing
- Buying channel: Verified Amazon listing, ASIN B014KK7OCW
BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM: fits and best for
Best for a small bay, a dual fan setup or any radiator where a 16 inch fan cannot fit. For the rest of the bay, our 12V car heaters guide covers winter work.
BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Slim profile fits a tight bay
- 80W draw is easy on the wiring
- Push or pull mounting
- Family of sizes up to 16 inches
Watch-outs
- 800 CFM is the lowest airflow here
- Thermostat kit is on the 16 inch version, not this one
- Needs a separate controller for automatic control
BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM: what owners report
- No owner reports broken out by fan are in the sources captured: the owner-facing sources are roundups, and none of them tests this fan by name.
- The listing data records a black 10 inch fan, 80 watts, 800 CFM, model F17502-07-BK, in a family up to 16 inches.
BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM: who should not buy
Skip it if your radiator is full size — 800 CFM will not cool a big engine, and the 16 inch fans above are the right buy. Skip it if you want a thermostat kit in the box; this size needs a separate controller. And skip it if you want the quietest fan; the Hayden below is quieter.
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Tip: Pair two of them for a wide radiator — the family of sizes makes a dual setup easy. Our 12V air compressors under 200 guide covers bigger tyre work after the cooling job.
Best Fan Controller: Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp
Best Fan Controller
Why the Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp is our pick
Because the controller decides when the fan runs. The Derale 16759 is a 25 amp adjustable fan controller, with activation from 150 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, a push-in probe that installs in the radiator fin, and a turn-off 10 degrees below the turn-on. It controls one fan, and the thread-in 16749 version uses a 3/8 inch NPT probe for a different install. One fan is enough for most cars — a second fan needs a second controller.
Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp key specs
- Size: Single fan controller
- Amperage: 25 amp
- Activation: Adjustable 150°F to 240°F
- Probe: Push-in probe, installs in the radiator fin
- Turn-off: 10°F below the turn-on temperature
- Fan count: One fan
- UPC: 083277167591
- Thread-in version: 16749 uses a 3/8 in NPT thread-in probe
- Warranty: Per maker listing
- Buying channel: Verified Amazon listing, ASIN B000CN4XZI
Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp: fits and best for
Best for controlling an existing fan at a custom temperature. For the circuit, our multimeter guide covers proving a fan circuit fault.
Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Adjustable 150 to 240 degrees covers most engines
- 25 amp rating suits a single fan
- Push-in probe installs without draining the coolant
- Turn-off 10 degrees below turn-on prevents short cycling
Watch-outs
- Controls one fan only
- One owner report of the controller failing and overheating
- No fan included — a controller only
Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp: what owners report
- Owner-report coverage is thin for this controller: the notes record a single forum report of a Derale adjustable controller failing and overheating, stated here as one report, not a pattern.
- The manual page records 25 amps, adjustable activation from 150 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, a push-in probe and turn-off 10 degrees below turn-on.
Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp: who should not buy
Skip it if you need to control two fans — this is a single-fan controller. Skip it if your fan already has a thermostat kit; the kit does the same job. And skip it if you want a plug-and-play install; a controller needs wiring and a probe position.
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Tip: Set the turn-on 10 to 20 degrees above the thermostat opening temperature, and the fan will not fight the thermostat. Our dash cameras guide covers recording the road after the repair.
Best Quiet Fan: Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan
Best Quiet Fan
Why the Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan is our pick
Because a loud fan is a fan you hear every day. The Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool is a 16 inch electric fan moving 1400 CFM in free air and 1150 CFM across a typical radiator, on a 16.5 amp draw, with a quiet high-flow S-blade that reverses for push or pull, a full finger-guard shroud and a thin profile. It is compatible with all Hayden fan controllers, and it mounts in a 15-3/4 by 16-3/4 inch space.
Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan key specs
- Size: 16 in diameter
- Airflow: 1400 CFM free air, 1150 CFM across a typical radiator
- Draw: 16.5 amp
- Blade: Quiet high-flow S-blade, reversible push or pull
- Shroud: Full finger-guard shroud
- Profile: Thin, 2 in depth, 4-1/4 in with the motor
- Mounting: 15-3/4 by 16-3/4 in
- Controllers: Compatible with all Hayden fan controllers
- Warranty: Per maker listing
- Buying route: No verified Amazon listing — see the disclosure below
Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan: fits and best for
Best for a quiet 16 inch replacement where noise matters.
Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Quiet high-flow S-blade, the quietest pick here
- Full finger-guard shroud for safety
- Thin profile fits a tight bay
- Compatible with all Hayden fan controllers
Watch-outs
- No verified Amazon listing for this exact model
- 1400 CFM is below the 3000 CFM fans here
- 16.5 amp draw needs a proper relay and fuse
Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan: what owners report
- No owner reports broken out by fan are in the sources captured: the owner-facing sources are roundups, and none of them tests this fan by name.
- The Hayden technical guide records 1400 CFM free air and 1150 CFM across a typical radiator, a 16.5 amp draw and a full finger-guard shroud.
Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan: who should not buy
Skip it if you need a direct buy button today — the A-Team 160061 above is the same size with a verified button. Skip it if you need 3000 CFM; this fan moves 1400 in free air. And skip it if your wiring cannot carry 16.5 amps; the slim 10 inch fan draws far less.
We could not verify a live Amazon listing for this exact model from public listing data, so this guide carries no direct buy button for it. It is sold through Hayden dealers. The closest verified buy in this guide is the A-Team Performance 160061 16 in fan, below.
Closest verified buy in this guide: A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM
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Tip: Buy it through a Hayden dealer and check the mount dimensions first — 15-3/4 by 16-3/4 inches is the footprint. Our garage floor mats guide covers keeping the bay clean during the install.
Spec comparison
| Spec | A-Team Performance 160061 | STMGW 16 Inch | BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch | Derale 16759 | Hayden 3700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 16 in | 16 in | 10 in | Controller only | 16 in |
| Airflow | 3000 CFM | 3000 CFM | 800 CFM | No fan | 1400 CFM free air |
| Power | 120W | 120W | 80W | 25 amp | 16.5 amp |
| Thermostat | Kit included | Kit included | Kit on 16 in version | Adjustable 150 to 240°F | Compatible with Hayden controllers |
| Reversible | Yes, push or pull | Not published | Yes, push or pull | No — controller | Yes, push or pull |
| Blade | 8-blade S-blade | Not published | Not published | No fan | Quiet high-flow S-blade |
| Mounting | Universal | Universal | Slim profile | Push-in probe | 15-3/4 by 16-3/4 in |
| Best for | Radiator replacement | Add-on cooling | Small spaces | Fan control | Quiet replacement |
| Depth | 3.26 in | Not published | Not published | No fan | 2 in / 4-1/4 in |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | No verified Amazon listing — verified buy: Check Price Substitute: A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM |
Installation and use basics
Mount the fan on the engine side of the radiator for a pull setup, or the front for a push setup — never both at once. A reversible S-blade fan can do either, but the shroud must sit flat against the radiator core, with no gaps around the edges, or air bypasses the core and the fan works for nothing.
Wire the fan through a relay and a fuse rated above the fan draw; a 16.5 amp fan on a 10 amp circuit is a blown fuse waiting to happen. The thermostat probe goes into the radiator fin or the coolant hose, per the maker’s instructions, and the controller’s turn-off sits 10 degrees below its turn-on.
Test the fan before you drive: start the engine, watch the temperature climb, and confirm the fan cuts in at the thermostat temperature. Our 12V air compressors guide covers tyre work after a cooling job, and our jump starter guide covers a flat battery after a long day in the bay.
The bay around the work matters too. Garage floor mats under the work area save the floor and your knees. A bright interior LED kit helps you see under a dark dash, and a 12V car heater keeps winter work bearable. If a road test is part of the job, a dash camera records what the car did — our 4K dash cam guide, front-and-rear dash cam guide and wireless dash camera guide cover the options — and a remote start system warms the car before a cold start. For the battery, our jump starter guide covers a flat one, and our battery tender guide covers keeping it charged.
Hand the car back as you found it: a quick pass with a car buffer or dual-action polisher, cutting compound and polishing pads on any marks the work left, a coat of carnauba wax or a professional ceramic coating kit on the paint, and a check of the mirrors — our replacement mirrors guide covers a cracked one. For the drive itself, our performance monitors guide covers reading the engine data, and our waterproof dash cameras guide covers wet-weather driving.
Safety essentials
Never trust a fan that only spins when you push it — trust the thermostat to cut in on its own.
- Never run a fan without a relay and a fuse rated above the fan draw; a 16.5 amp fan needs a circuit that can carry it.
- Keep fingers, clothing and tools clear of a spinning fan; the full finger-guard shroud is there for a reason.
- Never work on a cooling fan with the engine running unless the maker says so; some fans start without warning.
- Let the engine cool before you touch the radiator or the thermostat probe; hot coolant burns.
- Check the wiring after the first drive; a loose connection heats up and can melt the connector.
- Never bypass the thermostat to make the fan run all the time; a fan that never stops hides a cooling fault.
Roadside recovery accessories for the kit bag
- WARN Epic snatch block — Check Price
- GearAmerica tree saver — Check Price
- AMBULL shackles — Check Price
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fan never cuts in | Thermostat probe in the wrong place or set too high | Move the probe to the maker’s position and set the controller to 180 to 200 degrees |
| Fan runs all the time | Controller set too low or thermostat stuck | Raise the set point and check the thermostat for damage |
| Fuse blows on start-up | Circuit rated below the fan draw | Fit a relay and a fuse rated above the fan draw |
| Engine still overheats | Fan too small for the radiator or air bypassing the core | Fit a larger fan or seal the shroud against the radiator |
| Fan noisy at speed | Blade hitting the shroud or a loose mount | Check the clearance and tighten the mounts |
| Controller failed after a few months | Overheating in the controller, per one owner report | Check the amperage rating and fit a controller rated for the fan |
Who should NOT buy these
Your car has a mechanical fan that works. An electric fan is a replacement, not an upgrade, for a working mechanical fan. If the stock fan keeps the engine cool, the money is better spent elsewhere.
You cannot wire a relay. Every fan here needs a relay, a fuse and a thermostat or controller. If you will not wire one, pay a shop — a fan wired straight to the battery is a flat battery waiting to happen.
You need EV battery cooling. These are 12V radiator fans and controllers for engine cooling, not EV battery thermal management. An EV battery pack needs the maker’s own cooling system, not an aftermarket fan.
You want a plug-and-play kit. These fans are universal parts, not vehicle-specific kits. Measure the radiator, check the mount, and wire the relay yourself — or buy a vehicle-specific kit from the dealer.
Final verdict
A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM — the best overall battery cooling accessory: a 16 inch fan moving 3000 CFM with a thermostat kit.
STMGW 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan 3000 CFM with Thermostat Wiring Switch Relay Kit — the add-on pick: a 16 inch fan moving 3000 CFM with a thermostat wiring kit in the box.
BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 Inch Slim Electric Radiator Fan Push Pull 800 CFM — the tight-bay pick: a slim 10 inch fan moving 800 CFM for small radiators and dual setups.
Derale 16759 Adjustable Electric Fan Controller 25 Amp — the controller pick: an adjustable 25 amp controller from 150 to 240 degrees for one fan.
Hayden 3700 Rapid-Cool 16 Inch Electric Fan — the quiet pick: a 16 inch fan moving 1400 CFM in free air, with a written alternative below.
We could not verify a live Amazon listing for this exact model from public listing data, so this guide carries no direct buy button for it. It is sold through Hayden dealers. The closest verified buy in this guide is the A-Team Performance 160061 16 in fan, below.
Closest verified buy in this guide: A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM
FAQ
What are battery cooling accessories?
Accessories that cool a battery or a battery coolant radiator — in this guide, 12V electric radiator cooling fans and fan controllers that move air across the radiator. A fan pulls or pushes air through the core, and a controller switches it on at a set temperature. There is no dedicated EV battery cooling accessory with a verified Amazon listing in this guide.
What do BBB complaints say about these battery cooling accessories?
The BBB does not publish product-level complaint counts for most accessories, and no specific complaint counts or ratings for these fans were found. Check the seller’s BBB profile before you buy, read the recent reviews, and buy from a seller with a clear return policy. A single forum report of a controller failing is noted in this guide, with the caveat that it is one report.
How many CFM do I need for a radiator fan?
A 16 inch fan moving 3000 CFM suits a full-size radiator, while a 10 inch fan at 800 CFM suits a small bay or a dual setup. Check the maker’s free-air figure against the across-radiator figure — the Hayden 3700 moves 1400 CFM in free air but 1150 across a typical radiator. Match the airflow to the engine, not the headline.
Is a 16 inch fan better than a 10 inch fan?
Bigger moves more air — 3000 CFM against 800 in this guide — but only if it fits. A 16 inch fan needs 16 inches of space plus depth, and a thin-profile 10 inch fan fits a tight bay where a 16 inch fan cannot. Measure the radiator first, then buy the biggest fan that fits with the shroud sealed flat.
Do I need a fan controller?
Yes, unless the fan comes with a thermostat kit. A controller switches the fan on at a set temperature — the Derale 16759 adjusts from 150 to 240 degrees — and off 10 degrees below it. Without one, the fan either runs all the time or never runs, and both are bad for the engine.
Push or pull — which is better for a radiator fan?
Pulling air through the radiator from the engine side is the usual setup, and it works with the car’s natural airflow. Pushing from the front works when there is no room behind the radiator. A reversible fan can do either — pick the side that fits, and seal the shroud flat against the core either way.
How many amps does a 16 inch radiator fan draw?
The Hayden 3700 draws 16.5 amps, and the 16 inch fans here run at 120 watts on a 12 volt circuit. Wire the fan through a relay and a fuse rated above the draw, and check the wiring after the first drive. A circuit rated below the fan draw blows fuses and can melt connectors.
Can I add an electric fan to an older car?
Yes — that is the most common use here. An add-on fan with a thermostat kit, such as the STMGW 16 inch, supplements a weak mechanical fan or cools an engine swap. Measure the radiator, check the space for the fan and the shroud, and wire a relay and a fuse. A controller is needed if the fan has no thermostat kit.
Why does my radiator fan run all the time?
The controller is set too low, the thermostat is stuck, or the probe is in the wrong place. Raise the set point — the Derale 16759 adjusts from 150 to 240 degrees — check the probe position against the maker’s instructions, and confirm the fan cuts out 10 degrees below the turn-on. A fan that never stops hides a cooling fault, so check the thermostat too.
Sources
Maker documents
Listing evidence
- A-Team 160061 Amazon listing
- STMGW 16 inch fan Amazon listing
- BLACKHORSE-RACING 10 inch fan Amazon listing
- Derale 16759 Amazon listing
Owner reports
- Best cooling fan for LS swap, Motors and Pump
- Best 12 inch cooling fan, Motors and Pump
- Best auto electric cooling fan, Motors and Pump
- Best electric radiator cooling fan, Motors and Pump
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo researches automotive tools and recovery gear from maker documents, listing evidence and owner reports — never from press releases — and publishes the exclusions alongside the picks.
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Our top pick: A-Team Performance 160061 16 Inch Electric Radiator Fan Kit 3000 CFM — a 16 inch fan moving 3000 CFM with a thermostat kit.