Powertrain, generic · Auxiliary emission controls

P0480 Fan 1 Control Circuit

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

The engine module switches the radiator fan either through a relay, whose coil it pulls to ground, or with a PWM signal to a fan control module. The circuit is an output that CARB requires to be checked continuously. P0480 concerns the control circuit of fan 1. GM sets it for an open circuit – 200 kΩ or more with the driver off, 50 of 63 samples, above 11 V, MIL after two trips – and reports a short to ground or positive as P0691/P0692; Saab models on GM technology set it after 5 s (relay) or 1 s (PWM). FCA bulletins also name it with the warning lamp. Ford's OBD summaries do not contain the code. If the fan stops, the engine can overheat in traffic and the air conditioning weakens at standstill.

Likely causes

Fan relay (coil open) or fan control module faulty
Connector at fan or relay corroded, water ingress or pin pushed out
Control wire open or shorted to ground
Fan motor or fan assembly faulty
Driver in the engine module

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Radiator fan does not run, or runs constantly
  • Overheating at standstill or in traffic
  • Air conditioning weak at standstill

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€20–600
Time0.3–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

What to check first

  1. Command the fan with a scan tool
  2. Check relay and fuse
  3. Check fan motor

Parts involved

cooling fan 1fan relayfan control moduleengine control module

Related codes

P0481P0482P0483P0691P0692P0217

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, static.nhtsa.gov.