Cooling Fan Always On

Cooling Fan Always On (2.4L LE5)

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) grounds the low speed relay, which is relay 1, and the high speed relay, which is relay 2, control circuits through 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 that is monitored by the ECM. When the ECM is commanding a component ON, the voltage potential of the control circuit should be low, near 0 volts. When the ECM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high, near battery voltage. If the ECM detects that the actual state of the control circuit does not match the expected state, a DTC will set.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Cooling Fan Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions)
Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. If DTCs P0480 or P0481 are set, perform those diagnostics first.
2. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the control module is not commanding fan activation.
3. Ignition ON, observe that the fan is not activated.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition ON, disconnect the cool fan relay. Observe that the fan is ON.

• If OFF, replace the relay.

2. Disconnect the cool fan 2 relay. Observe that the fan is ON.

• If OFF, replace the relay.

3. Test the relay control circuit terminals listed below for a short to voltage:

* Cool Fan 2 Relay, terminal 87
* Cool Fan 2 Relay , terminal 30

Repair Instructions

Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (Service and Repair)

Repair Verification

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