Diagnostic Instructions
Circuit/System Description
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, which is fan 1 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, which is fan 2 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, which is fan 3 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.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Cooling Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Engine Control Module Connector End Views
Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
Circuit/System Verification
- If DTCs P0480 or P0481 are set, then perform those diagnostics first.
- Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan activation.
- Ignition ON, observe that the fan is not activated.
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the relays.
- Ignition ON, observe that the fan is not activated.
⇒ | If the fan is not activated, then replace the faulty relay. |
⇒ | If the fan is activated, then test the fan voltage supply circuits for a short to voltage. |
Repair Verification
- Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan activation.
- Ignition ON, observe that the fan is not activated.