Sign in
All Technical Guides
🟢 Verified Technical Guide FieldTech

Bobcat T86 Reversible Cooling Fan System Failure

Bobcat·T86·Bobcat D34·Intermediate·1-2 hours·0 views

The reversible engine/hydraulic cooling fan fails to blow backward automatically or fails to swap directions when manual console buttons are selected. This results in dirt/fluff accumulation blocking the cooling package during mowing/forestry setups.

Symptoms

  • No reversing cycle occurs during operation (standard auto-purge missing)
  • Manual fan-reverse button of the dashboard panel flashes error signs
  • Rapid build-up of wood fiber, leaves, or particulate on the outer door grate

Possible Causes

  • Failed reversing valve control solenoid coil or broken electrical harness wire
  • Mechanical binding of the directional blades or assembly frame
  • Lack of sufficient pilot control charge pressure to shift the hydraulic motor directional valve spool

Diagnostic Procedure

  1. 1
    Inspect Mechanical Assembly for Obstructions
    Verify fan spins freely by hand when engine is completely off. Inspect the fan motor blades, checking for cracks or deformation. Check the plastic fan shroud to ensure clear margins all around, with no signs of physical contact.
  2. 2
    Measure Solenoid Coil Electrical Parameters
    Locate the hydraulically operated fan-motor manifold block. Locate the 12V reversing solenoid valve assembly. Unplug the connector and test spool coil resistance with a multimeter. A resistance reading of 6 to 10 Ohms is normal. A reading of infinity indicates an open internal coil circuit.
  3. 3
    Verify Commanded Control Signal Voltage
    Connect a digital multimeter to the harness side plug of the solenoid. Initiate are manual override fan reverse cycle using the in-cab display. A solid transition from 0V to 12V during the command phase should be observed. If no voltage change occurs, trace the harness up to the cooling control relay.
  4. 4
    Conduct Hydraulic Pressure Check at Fan Motor
    Install a 5,000 PSI hydraulic pressure gauge into the fan motor test port. Monitor hydraulic main loop pressure when cold vs working temperature. If system hydraulic pressure remains below minimum spec (typically 2,500-3,000 PSI under full speed demand), check for a faulty dynamic hydraulic control block or worn pump.

Common Repairs

  • Replacing the reversing solenoid valve assembly coil
  • Reconditioning/cleaning the fan motor valve block slide spool
  • Installing a replacement hydraulic cooling fan motor assembly

Safety Precautions

  • Never engage in diagnostics within the rear compartment while the engine is running.
  • Secure hair, loose clothing, and dangling testing leads far away from spinning cooling fans.

Required Tools

  • Multimeter with needle testing probes
  • 5,000 PSI hydraulic pressure gauge
  • Automotive clean-bore brush kit

Related Fault Codes

M0234 (Cooler Fan Rejection Valve Circuit Open)E5302 (Fan Solenoid High Current Fault)D0150 (Dynamic Fan Speed Interruption)

People Also Ask

  • How do you test the fan reversal valve solenoid on a Bobcat T86?
  • What causes a Bobcat E5302 fan solenoid high current fault?
  • How to diagnose a Bobcat M0234 cooler fan rejection valve circuit open?
  • Why does the Bobcat T86 manual fan-reverse dashboard light blink?
  • What is the resistance specification for the Bobcat D34 cooling fan purge valve?
  • How does the dynamic fan speed control system function on Bobcat T86 compact track loaders?

Related Guides

Suggested Follow-Up Guides

  • Bobcat T86 Engine Harness Replacement & Pinout Guide
  • How to Diagnose Bobcat D34 Hydraulic Fan Motor Control Valves
  • Bobcat T86 Deluxe Instrument Panel Diagnostic Codes and Troubleshooting
  • Bobcat Compact Track Loader Hydraulic Solenoid Coil Testing and Replacement

Topics

Bobcat T86 reversible fan failureBobcat fault code M0234Bobcat error E5302Bobcat code D0150Bobcat T86 hydraulic fan purge systemBobcat D34 engine fan solenoid troubleshootingBobcat dynamic fan speed interruptionBobcat hydraulic reversing valve circuitBobcat T86 manual fan reverse button flashingBobcat loader fan solenoid resistor testBobcat cooling fan auto purge not working

Related Repair Cases

Loading…

Community Comments

Sign in to join the discussion.

Loading comments…

This educational guide was curated by FieldTech to help technicians diagnose common failures. Always follow manufacturer service manuals and safety procedures.