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P0481



DTC P0480 or P0481 (LAT-2.4L)

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform theDiagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* ReviewStrategy 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) grounds the low speed relay, which is the AUX fan relay, and the high speed relay, which is the main fan relay, 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.


Conditions for Running the DTC

* The ignition is ON.
* The system voltage is between 9-18 volts.
* These DTCs run continuously when the above conditions are met.



Conditions for Setting the DTC

* An improper voltage level has been detected on the cooling fan relay control circuit.
* The condition must be present for a minimum of 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

Cooling Fan Description and Operation (LAT-2.4L) (Description and Operation)Cooling Fan Description and Operation (Except LAT-2.4L) (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)
* Electrical Center Identification Views (Application and ID)

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. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan relay activation.
2. 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 affected relay.
2. Verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between B+ and the affected relay control circuit terminal 86.

• If a test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

3. Remove the test lamp.
4. 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.

5. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal 86 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.

6. Remove the 3A fused jumper wire.
7. Connect a 30A fused jumper wire between the positive voltage terminal at the battery and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal 87 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.

8. Ignition ON, connect a 30A fused jumper wire between the relay switch voltage supply circuit terminal 30 and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal 87 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, replace the relay.

9. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil voltage supply circuit terminal 85 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the 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, replace the relay.

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



Repair Instructions

Perform theDiagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (LAT-2.4L) (Service and Repair)Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (LE5 2.4L, LZ4-3.5L, LY7 3.6L) (Service and Repair)
* Engine Control Module Replacement (LE5 2.4L) (Service and Repair)Engine Control Module Replacement (LAT-2.4L) (Service and Repair) for the 2.4L engine


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