Cooling Fan Inoperative

Cooling Fan Inoperative

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
* Strategy Based Diagnosis
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) commands the fans ON in either high speed or low speed, depending on cooling requirements. In low speed, both fans are turned ON at a reduced speed. High speed has both fans turned ON at full speed.

In low speed operation, the ECM applies ground to the coil side of the fan low relay. This energizes the coil and applies voltage directly to the left cooling fan through the switch side of the fan low relay, which is fed by the fan 1 fuse. The right fan is connected in series to the left fan through the de-energized fan control relay so that both operate at low speed.

In high speed operation, the ECM applies a ground to the coil side of the fan low relay, the fan control relay, and the fan high relay. On the fan high relay, the energized coil closes the switch side of the relay and applies voltage directly to the right cooling fan through the switch side of the relay, which is fed by the fan 2 fuse. At the same time, the ECM energizes fan control relay pulling the switch side over, providing a direct path to ground for the left cooling fan, which has voltage applied through the energized fan low relay. In high speed mode, the fans are operated as a parallel circuit with full voltage applied to each.

Diagnostic Aids

The ECM has the capability of providing command to the fan relays even while a scan tool output control is being used. Always refer to the fan control command parameters on the scan tool to know which fans are being commanded ON by the ECM.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics

Connector End View Reference

* Cooling System Component Views
* Cooling System 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

* Scan Tool Data List
* Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

1. Verify that the following DTCs are not set: P0480 or P0481.
- If either of the DTCs is set, repair the DTC first.

2. Ignition ON, command high and low speed fans ON and OFF with a scan tool. Observe to verify that the fans turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect fan high, fan low, and fan control relays.
2. Connect a 30-amp fused jumper between the normally-open switch contact terminals at the fan control relay connector in order to complete the left fan ground circuit. Leave this jumper in place for the remainder of this procedure.
3. One at a time, connect a 30-amp fused jumper between the positive terminal at the battery and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal at each relay connection and verify the appropriate fan activation.
- If the appropriate fan does not activate, test the fan voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test the fan ground circuit for open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the fan.

4. Ignition ON, connect a 30-amp fused jumper between the relay switch voltage supply circuit terminal and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal at the low speed and then the high speed relay connections and verify the appropriate fan activation.
- If the appropriate fan does not activate, test the relay switch voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or high resistance.

5. If the circuits and fans test normal, replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

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

* Cooling Fan Motor Replacement - Electric (RPO LS4) Cooling Fan Motor Replacement - Electric (RPOs L26, L32)
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)

Repair Verification

Ignition ON, command the fan relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Observe to verify that the appropriate fan turns ON and OFF with each command.