The engine control module (ECM) commands the fans ON in high speed or low speed. In low speed, the fans are configured in series. In high speed, the fans are configured in parallel.

In low speed operation, the ECM applies ground to the coil side of the low speed relay. Voltage is applied directly to the left cooling fan through the switch side of the low speed relay. The right fan is connected in series to the left fan through the de-energized series/parallel relay so that both fans operate at low speed.

In high speed operation, the ECM applies a ground to the coil side of the low speed relay, the series/parallel relay, and the high speed relay. Voltage is applied directly to the right cooling fan through the switch side of the high speed relay. The left cooling fan obtains voltage through the low speed relay and ground through the series/parallel relay.

When the ECM is commanding a fan relay ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low, near 0 volts. When the ECM is commanding a fan relay OFF, the voltage of the control circuit should be high, near battery voltage. If the ECM detects that the actual voltage of the relay control circuit is different than the expected voltage, DTC P0480 or P0481 will set and the affected ECM driver will be disabled.

P0480

The ECM detects an open circuit in the low speed cooling fan relay control circuit.

P0481

DTCs P0480 and P0481 are Type B DTCs.

DTCs P0480 and P0481 are Type B DTCs.

Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Engine Control Module Description

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tools Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Verify the cooling fan operation using the scan tool commands listed below:

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the 3 cooling fan relays listed below:

•	Fan 1 relay

•	Fan 2 relay

•	Fan 3 relay

2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal 85 of each relay and ground.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

3. Verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the ignition circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86 of each relay.

⇒	If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit test normal, replace the ECM.

4. Remove the test lamp.
5. Ignition ON, command the affected relay ON using a scan tool. Verify the affected scan tool FC Relay Control Ckt. Short Volts Test Status parameter is OK.

•	For the fan 1 relay, use the scan tool Fan Relay 1 command.

•	For the fan 2 and fan 3 relays, use the scan tool relay 2 and 3 command.

⇒	If not the specified value, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal 86 and the ignition circuit terminal 85. Command the affected relay ON with a scan tool. Verify the scan tool Relay Control Ckt Short Volts Test Status parameter is Fault.

⇒	If not the specified value, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

7. If all circuits and the ECM test normal, replace the affected relay.

Ignition ON, command each relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Feel or listen to verify that each relay turns ON and OFF with each command.