P0480: Fan 1 Control Circuit
The engine computer has found a problem in the control circuit for the electric cooling fan, usually the fan relay circuit.
What P0480 means
Electric cooling fans pull air through the radiator when the car is moving slowly, idling or running the A/C. RepairPal explains that P0480 means the engine computer has found a problem with the cooling fan relay 1 control circuit, the wire it uses to switch the fan relay on and off. When this circuit fails, the fan may not run at all, which leads to overheating in traffic, or it may run constantly. Common causes are a failed relay, a blown fuse, wiring or connector damage and a failing fan motor. Some vehicles use a fan control module instead of simple relays. KBB advises avoiding driving with P0480, since overheating can cause serious engine damage and leave you stranded. Shops command the fan on with a scan tool, check for power and ground at the relay and the fan, measure current draw from the motor and test the control wire. A relay or fuse fix is common and cheap, while a new fan motor costs more.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Engine temperature climbing in traffic or at idle
- Cooling fan not running, or running all the time
- A/C blowing warm at idle
- Overheating warning
Most common causes
- Failed cooling fan relay
- Open or shorted fan control wiring
- Failed cooling fan motor
- Blown fan fuse
- Faulty fan control module on some vehicles
- Engine computer fan driver fault (rare)
What to check yourself first
With the engine warm or the A/C on, check whether the radiator fan runs. Check the fan fuse and swap the fan relay with an identical one in the fuse box. Watch the temperature gauge closely and pull over if it climbs past normal.
Typical fixes and what they cost
| Fix | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Replace radiator fan relay | $98-$116 | A cheap and common fix. |
| Replace radiator fan motor | $839-$948 | If the motor is seized or draws too much current. |
| Electrical diagnosis to find a wiring or connector fault | $122-$179 | For wiring or connector problems. |
Typical US price ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. Your shop should confirm the cause with a diagnostic before replacing parts.
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Related codes
- P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low
- P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High
- P0128 Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)
- P0125 Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Closed Loop Fuel Control
- P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit