A drive engine arrangement for an elevator system includes a drive engine for driving suspension traction media for displacing an elevator car, a fan for generating a fluid flow for cooling the drive engine and a fluid flow sensor. The fluid flow sensor senses the fluid flow generated by the fan. Accordingly, using the fluid flow sensor, it can be determined whether or not the fan is currently operating. By e.g. comparing the fan's behavior with previous operation patterns and/or by additionally measuring a temperature of the drive engine with a temperature sensor, it can be monitored whether the fan is operating correctly or whether e.g. cooling requirements may be compromised due to a malfunction of the fan. Such monitoring can be performed remotely and/or automatically.