Today’s discussion isn’t focused on what you do with the truck because it will apply to all scenarios for your Power Stroke-equipped truck. Whether you’re in the drive-thru getting the family food, in the staging lanes getting ready to make a pass, or pulling a camper through the mountains, the Driven Diesel Ford Fan Clutch Accelerator Switch is a must-have.
I talked with Strictly Diesel‘s Gary Maschner and along with the rest of Strictly Diesel, Maschner is excited. “We have a new approach for cooling of the 6.0-Liter Power Stroke engine and gives the drivers more control,” he said. “This will benefit the guy parked in the school lot waiting on the kids after school or the guy who is towing under the blazing sun. Regardless of the scenario, the air conditioning will be blowing nice and frosty.”
Also, the installation and use of the Fan Clutch Accelerator Switch WILL NOT resolve problems with a weak or worn-out fan clutch. Proper performance of this product requires a correctly functioning fan clutch.
To dive into those a little further, I think what Maschner means is that with this switch you now have control over the truck and can say when the fan will engage. “If you’re towing here in Phoenix, it is hot. Instead of waiting for the PCM to command it, you can flip the switch into the on position and the fan will engage,” Maschner said. “This will help keep the coolant temperatures lower for a longer period of time.”
“By the time the fan clutch is fully engaged coolant and oil temps are very high and it’s harder to recover. On an engine that is notorious for cooling system issues, that can mean another trip back to the shop. By turning the switch on when approaching a climb the driver can keep temps lower for a long period of time. Out here in our Phoenix heat, we’re always looking for ways to improve cooling.”
How It Works
In the off position, the OE style works just as it was designed. When the switch is flipped up to the on position, the PCM will then see a higher coolant temperature and command the fan on. When this happens, you will see the engine temperature gauge move down to the 3/4 mark. When the switch is turned off, the thermostat needle will move back to the actual temperature reading. If you want to know the actual temperature of the coolant, you will need to add on an additional temperature sensor if your monitor has the ability to do so.
This product is designed to be used “AS NEEDED”, leaving it enabled all the time will result in running the engine fan excessively, causing more engine noise, lower fuel economy, and a reduction in power. If you have experienced situations where your truck and load are causing coolant and oil temperatures to rise, but you aren’t hearing your fan engage to aid in cooling, this is your answer.
Fitment Guide
- 2003-2010 Ford E250/350 Van 6.0L
- 2003-2005 Ford Excursion 6.0L
- 2003-2007 Ford F250/350 Super Duty 6.0L
- 2003-2007 Ford F450 Super Duty 6.0L
- 2003-2007 Ford F550 Super Duty 6.0L
For more information, head on over to the Strictly Diesel website right here.
