• | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. |
• | Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach. |
• | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category. |
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Low Speed Cooling Fan Relay Control Circuit for Fan 1 Relay | P0480 | P0480 | P0480 | -- |
Fan/Relay Coil Voltage Supply Circuit | P0480 | P0480 | P0480 | -- |
High Speed Cooling Fan Relay Control Circuit for Fan 3 Relay | P0481 | P0481 | P0481 | -- |
Fan 3 Relay Coil Voltage Supply Circuit | P0481 | P0481 | P0481 | -- |
Series/Parallel Cooling Fan Relay Control Circuit for Fan 2 Relay | P0481 | P0481 | P0481 | -- |
Fan 2 Relay Coil Voltage Supply Circuit | P0481 | P0481 | P0481 | -- |
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.
• | The ignition is ON. |
• | The system voltage is between 9-18 volts. |
• | The relay control circuit is transitioned from OFF to ON, or ON to OFF. |
• | An improper voltage level has been detected on the cooling fan relay control circuit. |
• | The condition must be present for a minimum of 30 seconds. |
DTCs P0480 and P0481 are Type B DTCs.
DTCs P0480 and P0481 are Type B DTCs.
Cooling Fan Description and Operation
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
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.
⇒ | If the test lamp is always ON, test the relay control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
⇒ | If the test lamp is always OFF, test the relay control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
⇒ | If the fan does not activate, test the fan voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the fan. |
⇒ | If the fan does not activate, test the affected relay switch voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and its fuse is open, test all connected components and replace as necessary. |
⇒ | If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the affected relay coil voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and its fuse is open, test all connected components and replace as necessary. |
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
• | Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming |