Cooling Fan Always On

Cooling Fan Always On

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. 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.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics

Connector End View Reference

^ Cooling System Component Views
^ Cooling System Connector End Views
^ Engine Control Module 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

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

^ Scan Tool Data List
^ Scan Tool Data Definitions
^ Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

1. Verify that the following DTCs are not set: P0480, P0481.
- If any of the DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle. Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions

2. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan activation.
3. Ignition ON, observe that the fans are not activated.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the relays.
2. Ignition ON, observe that the fans are not activated.
- If the fans are not activated, replace the faulty relay.
- If a fan is activated, test the fan voltage supply circuits for a short to voltage.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure. Verification Tests

^ Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (L61) Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (LZ4, LZ9)
^ Engine Control Module Replacement

Repair Verification

1. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan activation.
2. Ignition ON, observe that the fan is not activated.