Cooling Fan Inoperative
Cooling Fan Inoperative
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) 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 fan speed relay, which is the cool/fan 1 relay 28. Voltage is applied directly to the left cooling fan through the switch side of the low speed fan relay. The right fan is connected in series to the left fan through the de-energized series/parallel relay, which is cool/fan SER/PAR 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 fan relay, the series/parallel relay, and the high speed fan relay, which is the cool/fan relay 30. Voltage is applied directly to the right cooling fan through the switch side of the high speed fan relay. The left cooling fan obtains voltage through the low speed fan 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.
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)
* 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, then perform those diagnostics first.
2. Verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan relay activation.
3. Ignition ON, command each relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Observe to verify that the fan turns ON and OFF with each command.
Circuit/System Testing
Important: You must perform the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the series/parallel relay, which is cool/fan SER/PAR relay 29.
2. Ignition ON, activate the cooling fan relay 1 with a scan tool. The fan should be OFF.
• If the fan is activated, test the left fan ground circuit for a short to ground.
3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the remaining relays.
4. Install a 30A fused jumper between the normally-open switch contact terminals 30 and 87 at the series/parallel relay connector in order to complete the fan ground circuit. Leave this jumper in place for the remainder of this procedure.
5. One at a time, connect a 30A fused jumper between the positive terminal at the battery and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal 87 at the low speed fan relay and the high speed fan relay connections and verify 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 an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the fan.
6. Ignition ON, connect a 30A fused jumper between the relay switch voltage supply circuit terminal 30 and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal 87 at the cool/fan 1 and the cool/fan 2 relay connections and verify fan activation.
• If the fan does not activate, test the 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.
7. If the circuits and fans test normal, replace the relay.
Repair Instructions
* Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming
Repair Verification
Ignition ON, command each relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Observe to verify that the fans turn ON and OFF with each command.