AutoCodesGMC – P0480 2016 GMC Sierra

P0480 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Cooling Fan Speed Output Circuit

Quick Answer

The engine cooling fan system is composed of 2 electric cooling fans, fan motors, and 2 control modules. Common causes include Faulty Cooling Fan Control Module, Cooling Fan Control Module harness is open or shorted, Cooling Fan Control Module circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0480 2016 GMC Sierra indicates Cooling Fan Speed Output Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Cooling Fan Control Module, Cooling Fan Control Module harness is open or shorted, Cooling Fan Control Module circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 307
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 19, 2022
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Code P0480 2016 GMC Sierra Description

The engine cooling fan system is composed of 2 electric cooling fans, fan motors, and 2 control modules. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the fan speed by sending a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal to the cooling fan control modules. The cooling fan control module varies the voltage drop across the cooling fan motors in relation to the pulse width modulated signal, which allows the cooling fans to operate at variable speeds.
The cooling fan speed is affected by many different conditions and the ECM will adjust the duty cycle from 0 - 100 percent based on cooling system requirements. The scan tool output control is only capable of operating the cooling fan increments, between 10 - 90 percent. 90 percent is considered high-speed fan. When multiple cooling fan speed requests are received, the ECM operates the fan at the highest speed requests.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match for greater than 5 s.
OBDII Code P0480 2016 GMC Sierra - Cooling Fan Speed Output Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P0480 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Cooling Fan Speed Output Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0480 2016 GMC Sierra?

  • Faulty Cooling Fan Control Module
  • Cooling Fan Control Module harness is open or shorted
  • Cooling Fan Control Module circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0480 2016 GMC Sierra?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0480 2016 GMC Sierra code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0480 2016 GMC Sierra code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0480 2016 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0480 mean for a 2016 GMC Sierra?

P0480 indicates an issue with the Cooling Fan Speed Output Circuit, which controls the operation of the engine's cooling fan.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0480 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include engine overheating, the cooling fan not operating, or the fan running continuously.

3. What causes the P0480 code on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Common causes include a faulty cooling fan relay, damaged wiring or connectors, a failed cooling fan motor, or issues with the fan control module.

4. How can I diagnose the P0480 code on my GMC Sierra?

Inspect the cooling fan relay, wiring, and connectors for damage, and test the fan motor and control module for proper functionality using a multimeter.

5. Can I drive my 2016 GMC Sierra with the P0480 code?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it may lead to engine overheating and potential damage.

6. How do I fix the P0480 code on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may involve replacing the cooling fan relay, repairing wiring or connectors, or replacing the cooling fan motor or control module.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P0480 code in a GMC Sierra?

Repair costs vary but may range from $100–$500, depending on whether components like the fan relay or motor need replacement.

8. Will clearing the P0480 code fix the issue?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem will not fix the issue; the code will likely return.

9. Can a faulty cooling fan relay cause the P0480 code?

Yes, a malfunctioning relay is a common cause of this code and should be checked during diagnosis.

10. Is the P0480 code specific to GMC Sierra trucks?

No, the P0480 code can appear on other vehicles, but the diagnosis and repair steps may vary by make and model.

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