P0481

DTC P0480 or P0481

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.



DTC Descriptors
DTC P0480
- Cooling Fan Relay 1 Control Circuit

DTC P0481
- Cooling Fan Relay 2 Control Circuit




Diagnostic Fault Information






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, which is R1 cool/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 R7 cool/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 R2 cool/fan series/parallel relay, and the high speed relay, which is relay R2 cool/fan 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.


Conditions for Running the DTC

* 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.



Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0480

The ECM detects an open circuit in the low speed cooling fan relay control circuit.


P0481
* The ECM detects an open circuit in the high speed cooling fan relay control circuit.
* The above condition is present for 30 seconds.



Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0480 and P0481 are Type B DTCs.


Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0480 and P0481 are Type B DTCs.


Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Engine Control Module Description (Engine Control Module Description)
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)
* Probing Electrical Connectors (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Electrical Center Identification Views (Application and ID)

DTC Type Reference

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

Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Special Tools

J 43244 Relay Puller Pliers


Circuit/System Verification

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.


Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the R2 cool/fan relay.
2. Connect a 30A fused jumper between the normally-open switch contact terminals at the R2 cool/fan relay connector in order to complete the fan ground circuit. Leave this jumper in place for the remainder of this procedure.
3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the affected relay.
4. Verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between B+ and the affected relay control circuit terminal.
5. Remove the test lamp.
6. Command the affected relay ON with a scan tool. Verify the scan tool Relay Control Ckt. Short Volts Test Status parameter is OK.

• If not the specified value, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

7. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal and B+. Command the affected relay ON with a scan tool. Verify the scan tool Relay Control Ckt Short Volts Test Status parameter is Fault.

• If not the specified value, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

8. Remove the 3A fused jumper wire.
9. Connect a 30A fused jumper between the positive voltage terminal at the battery and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal at the affected relay connector and verify fan activation.

• 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.

10. Ignition ON, connect a 30A fused jumper between the relay switch voltage supply circuit terminal and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal at the affected relay connector and verify fan activation.

• 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.

11. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the affected relay coil voltage supply circuit terminal and ground.

• 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.

12. If all circuits and the ECM test normal, replace the affected relay.



Repair Verification

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.