GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematics

Engine Cooling Fan Motors


Object Number: 520717  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Secondary AIr Injection (AIR) Pump Motors w/NB6 - California Emissions
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Underhood Fuse Block Battery Voltage
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
G104 - Relays, Horns and Other Items
Power and Grounding Connector End Views Fuse Blocks and Ignition Switch
.

Circuit Description

The PCM uses output driver modules (ODMs) to control many functions of the engine, and the transaxle. The ODMs supply the ground path for the PCM controlled device when the PCM commands the device ON. Each ODM is able to control several outputs. Unlike the quad driver modules (QDMs) used in earlier model years, the ODMs are able to diagnose each output circuit. The PCM monitors the ODMs for circuit conditions that are incorrect for the commanded state of the ODM. If the PCM detects an improper circuit condition in the ODM that controls the engine cooling fan 2 relay, DTC P0481 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • System voltage is between 8 and 16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The PCM detects an improper voltage level on the output circuit that controls the engine cooling fan 2 relay.
    • The condition exists for at least 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test runs and fails.
    • The PCM stores the conditions present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn the MIL OFF after the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.

Diagnostic Aids

Notice: Use the connector test adapter kit J 35616-A for any test that requires probing the following items:

   • The PCM harness connectors
   • The electrical center fuse/relay cavities
   • The component terminals
   • The component harness connector
Using this kit will prevent damage caused by the improper probing of connector terminals.

To determine whether an improper voltage level exists on the output circuit, the PCM compares the voltage level to the commanded state. For example, a failure condition exists if the PCM detects a low voltage level when the device is commanded OFF, or a high voltage level when the device is commanded ON.

Check for the following conditions:

    • Poor connections at the PCM or the engine cooling fan 2 relay--Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, disconnect the PCM and turn the ignition ON. Connect a voltmeter between the engine cooling fan 2 relay control circuit and chassis ground. Observe the voltmeter while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the engine cooling fan 2 and 3 relays. A change in voltage will indicate the location of the malfunction. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may assist in diagnosing the condition. The information may help determine how often the condition that set the DTC occurs.

Relay Terminal Identification

Use the Underhood Fuse Block Assembly and/or the Rear Fuse Block Assembly details located in Engine Controls Component Views, to locate the correct cavities to probe during diagnosis. Four blade relays can be inserted two ways. The number designations (i.e., 30, 85, 86, 87, and 87a) displayed on the relays correspond directly to the cavity and NOT the numbering on the relay.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Ensures battery voltage is present on the High Speed Fans Control circuit with the PCM disconnected.

  2. Checks for a short to B+ on the High Speed Fans Control circuit.

  3. Checks for shorted relay coils. A shorted relay coil will result in a current reading higher than 1.5 amps.

  4. If the current reading from step 4 is not within the specified range, this step determines which relay coil is internally shorted.

  5. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition, disconnect the PCM.
  2. Turn ON the ignition.
  3. Using the DMM, measure the voltage between the High Speed Fans control circuit and ground.

Is voltage near the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 7

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition
  2. Remove the cool fan 2 and the cool Fan 3 relays. Leave the PCM disconnected.
  3. Using the DMM, measure voltage between the High Speed Fans control circuit and ground.

Is voltage at the specified value?

0 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Replace the cool fan 2 and cool fan 3 relays.
  2. Set up a DMM to measure 10 amp range. Leave the PCM disconnected.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.
  4. Measure current between the High Speed Fans control circuit and ground.
  5. Monitor the current reading on the DMM for at least 2 minutes.

Does the current reading remain between the specified values?

0.1-1.5 Amps

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the cool fan 3 relay.
  3. Set up a DMM to measure 10 amp range.
  4. Turn ON the ignition.
  5. Measure current between the coolant fan 3 relay control circuit and ground.
  6. Monitor the current reading on the DMM for at least 2 minutes.

Does the current reading remain between the specified values?

0.1-1.5 Amps

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

6

Locate and repair short to voltage in the High Speed Fans control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 18

--

7

Check the battery positive feed fuse for the cool fan 2 and cool fan 3 relays.

Is the fuse open?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

  1. Check for the following circuit conditions:
  2. • A short to ground in battery positive feed circuit for the cool fan 3 relay
    • Short to ground in the battery positive feed circuit for the cool fan 3 relay
    • Short to ground in CKT 409
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
  4. Replace fuse.

was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Engine Coolant Fan Motor Replacement in Engine Cooling

9

  1. Disconnect the cool fan 3 relay.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, measure voltage between the battery positive feed circuit for the cool fan 3 relay and ground.

Is voltage near the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 14

10

  1. Check the High Speed Fans control circuit for an open or a short to ground.
  2. If a problem is found, Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. .

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Check the output driver circuit and the battery positive feed circuit for a poor connection at the cool fan 3 relay and at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
  2. If a problem is found, replace faulty terminals. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 15

12

  1. Turn OFF the ignition, reconnect the PCM and disconnect the cool fan 3 relay.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, connect the test lamp.
  3. Using the scan tool outputs test function, cycle the cool fan 3 relay ON and OFF.

Does the test lamp flash ON and OFF?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 13

13

  1. Check the High Speed Fans control circuit for a poor connection at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
  2. If a problem is found, replace faulty terminal. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 17

14

  1. Locate and repair the following circuit conditions:
  2. • Open in the battery positive feed to the cool Fan 2 and cool Fan 3 relays
    • Poor terminal connections between the Cool Fan 2 MaxiFuse and the fuse block. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
  3. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 18

--

15

Replace the cool fan 3 relay.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 18

--

16

Replace the cool fan 2 Relay

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 18

--

17

Important: Replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 18

--

18

  1. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear DTCs.
  3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0481 until the DTC P0481 test runs.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0481 failed this ign?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK