GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cooling Fan Always On with V6

Circuit/System Description

The engine cooling fan system consists of one electrical cooling fan, a serviceable resistor module mounted in the cooling fan shroud, and three fan relays. The relays are arranged in a series parallel (S/P) configuration that allows the engine control module (ECM) to operate the fan at low, medium, or high speeds, depending on cooling requirements. The resistor module is a self-contained unit providing a specific resistance through three individual circuits. To activate the fan, the ECM applies ground to the coil side of the applicable fan relays. The cooling fan and fan relays receive battery voltage from the underhood fuse block. The ground path for the operation of the cooling fan is provided at G104.

Diagnostic Aids

When disconnecting electrical connectors or removing fuses and relays from a fuse block, always inspect the component electrical terminals for corrosion and the correct orientation in the fuse block. Test the mating electrical terminals for tightness.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Cooling Fan Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify that DTC P0480, P0481, P0691, P0692, P0693 or P0694 is not set.
  2. If any cooling system DTC is set, repair the DTC first. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
  3. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan activation.
  4. Ignition ON, observe that the fan is not activated.

Circuit/System Testing

    Note: The following tests must be performed on each cooling fan relay.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect each cooling fan relay one at a time.
  2. Ignition ON, observe that the cooling fan is not activated.
  3. If the fan is activated, test for a short to voltage in the relay controlled output circuits.
    If the fans is not activated, test or replace the appropriate cooling fan relay.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate cooling fan relay.
  2. Test for 200-240 Ω between terminals 85 and 86 of the relay.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the relay.
  4. Measure the resistance between the terminals listed below. The DMM should display O.L.
  5. • 30 and 86
    • 30 and 87
    • 30 and 85
    • 85 and 87
         ⇒If not the specified value, replace the relay.
  6. Test for less than 2 Ω between terminals 30 and 87A.
  7. If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.
  8. Install a 20 A fused jumper wire between B+ and relay terminal 85. Connect a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 Ω between terminals 30 and 87.
  9. If greater than the specified range, replace the cooling fan relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Relay Replacement