GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematics

Engine Cooling Fans


Object Number: 590116  Size: FS
Engine MaxiFuses, Underhood Fuses and Ignition Main Relay
Ground G117
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Component Views
Powertrain Control Module Description
Transaxle Range Switch Outputs
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
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Circuit Description

Ignition voltage is supplied directly to fan control (FC) relay 1. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the relay by grounding the control circuit via an internal solid state device called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which is monitored by the PCM. When the PCM is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be near 0 volts. When the PCM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be near battery voltage. If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, this DTC will set.

The PCM will monitor the control circuit for the following:

    • A short to ground
    • A short to voltage
    • An open circuit
    • An open relay coil
    • An internally shorted or excessively low resistance relay coil

When the PCM detects any of the above malfunctions, this DTC will set and the affected driver will be disabled.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • The engine speed is more than 80 RPM.
    • The PCM driver transitions from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • A short to ground, an open circuit, or a short to battery voltage is detected on the control circuit.
    • The condition is present for at least 30 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the PCM records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The PCM writes the conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns the MIL OFF after 3 consecutive drive trips during which the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A last test failed, or the current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A History DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no other emission related diagnostic failures are reported.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL diagnostic trouble code.
    • Interrupting the PCM battery voltage may or may not clear DTCs. This practice is not recommended. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Description , Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes.

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.

If the problem is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Relay Terminal Identification

Use the following relay cavity table in order to locate the correct cavities to probe during diagnosis. The table layout corresponds to the cavity layout in the underhood accessory wiring junction block. Four blade relays can be inserted two ways. Use the table and NOT the numbering on the relay to avoid probing incorrectly.

Top of Junction Block

Cooling Fan Relay #1

Switch Load (Fan 1)

Coil Ground (PCM)

Coil Power (Fuse)

Switch Power (Fuse)

Test Description

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

  1. Listen for an audible click when the relay operates. Repeat the commands as necessary.

  2. This check can detect a partially shorted coil which would cause excessive current flow. Leaving the circuit energized for 2 minutes allows the coil to warm up. When warm, the coil may open (Amps drop to 0), or short (goes above 0.75 Amp).

  3. If the fuse supplying this circuit is open, the circuitry up to the fan motor, including the fan motor and fan relays need to be checked for a short in the wiring or a shorted component.

  4. If no trouble is found in the control circuit or the connection at the PCM, the PCM may be damaged, however, this is an extremely unlikely failure.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn the key to ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Command fans low speed ON and OFF with the scan tool.

Does the relay turn ON and OFF with each command?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Turn the key to OFF.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn the key to ON.
  4. Measure current from the relay control circuit in the PCM harness connector to ground for 2 minutes using the DMM on a 10 amp scale.

Does the current draw stay within the range shown?

0.1-0.75 A

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn the key to OFF.
  2. Disconnect the relay.
  3. Measure the resistance from the relay control circuit in the PCM harness connector to ground with the DMM.

The DMM should display an infinite resistance.

Does the DMM display an infinite resistance?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

5

  1. Turn the key to OFF.
  2. Disconnect the relay.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the ignition feed circuit to the relay coil and the control circuit in the relay harness connector.
  4. Turn the key to ON.
  5. Command the relay ON and OFF with the scan tool.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Probe the ignition feed circuit to the relay coil in the relay harness connector with the test lamp connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Turn the key to OFF.
  2. Reconnect the relay.
  3. Disconnect the PCM.
  4. Turn the key to ON.
  5. Probe the relay control circuit in the PCM harness connector with a fused jumper wire connected to ground.

Does the relay operate?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

8

Check for poor connections and terminal tension at the relay harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

9

Repair the relay control circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 14

--

10

Repair the ignition feed circuit to the relay coil.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 14

--

11

Replace the relay.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 14

--

12

Check for poor connections and terminal tension at the PCM harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

13

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

  1. Clear the DTCs with the scan tool.
  2. Turn the key to OFF and wait 15 seconds.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions that are required for this diagnostic to run. Refer to the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 2

15

Review Captured Info using the scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK