Cooling Fan Always On

Cooling Fan Always On (2.0L)

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions 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 speed relay, which is relay 1. 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 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 series/parallel relay, and the high speed relay, which is relay 2. 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 volt. 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.


Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics (Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

* Master Electrical Component List
* Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

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

* Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs
* Electrical Center Identification Views

DTC Type Reference

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

Control Module References for scan tool information


Circuit/System Verification

1. Verify that the following DTCs are not set: P0480, P0481.

• If any of the DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .

2. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan activation.
3. Ignition ON, observe that the fans are not activated.



Circuit/System Testing

Important: You must perform the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.



1. Ignition OFF, leave the series/parallel relay in place while disconnecting the other relays.
2. Ignition ON, observe that the fans are not activated.

• If the fans are not activated, replace the faulty relay.
• If a fan is activated, test the fan voltage supply circuits for a short to voltage.




Repair Instructions

* Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement (2.2L (L61), 2.4L (LE5))
* Fan Shroud Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References



Repair Verification

1. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan activation.
2. Ignition ON, observe that the fan is not activated.