P0480 Subaru Code - Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit Malfunction
Quick Answer
The electric cooling fan is controlled by the Engine Control Module (ECM) through the cooling fan relay based on inputs from the following components: - The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor - The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor - The A/C selector switch - The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor - The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) The ECM controls the cooling fan by grounding the cooling fan control circuit which turns ON the cooling fan relay. Common causes include Faulty fan control relay, Fan control relay harness is open or shorted, Fan control relay 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 Subaru indicates Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit Malfunction.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty fan control relay, Fan control relay harness is open or shorted, Fan control relay 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.
Code P0480 Subaru Description
- The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
- The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
- The A/C selector switch
- The A/C refrigerant pressure sensor
- The vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
The ECM controls the cooling fan by grounding the cooling fan control circuit which turns ON the cooling fan relay. The cooling fan relay will be commanded ON when the following conditions are met:
- The engine coolant temperature reaches 106°C (223°F) or more.
- The A/C clutch requested.
- The vehicle speed is less than 38 MPH.
The cooling fan relay will be commanded ON regardless of vehicle speed when the following conditions are met:
- The engine coolant temperature is 151°C (304°F) or more.
- The A/C refrigerant pressure is high.
The cooling fan may be commanded ON when the engine is not running under a fan run-on conditions described in the electric cooling fan general description portion of the service manual.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0480 Subaru?
- Faulty fan control relay
- Fan control relay harness is open or shorted
- Fan control relay circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty cooling fan 1
- Fan cooling fan harness is open or shorted
- Fan cooling fan circuit poor electrical connection
How to Fix the DTC P0480 Subaru?
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 Subaru 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about P0480 Subaru Code
1. What does the OBDII code P0480 mean on a Subaru?
P0480 indicates a malfunction in the Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit, meaning the engine control module (ECM) detected an issue with the electric cooling fan's primary circuit.
2. What are the common symptoms of code P0480 in a Subaru?
Symptoms may include engine overheating, the cooling fan not working, an illuminated check engine light, or the air conditioning not functioning properly.
3. What causes code P0480 to appear on a Subaru?
Common causes include a faulty cooling fan relay, a damaged cooling fan motor, wiring issues like shorts or open circuits, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).
4. Can I drive my Subaru with a P0480 code?
Driving with a P0480 code is not recommended, especially if the engine is overheating, as this could lead to severe engine damage.
5. How do I diagnose a P0480 code on a Subaru?
Start by checking the cooling fan fuse, relay, and wiring for damage. Use a multimeter to test the fan motor and relay for proper operation, and inspect the ECM for faults if no other issues are found.
6. How do I fix the P0480 code on my Subaru?
Repairs may include replacing a blown fuse, faulty cooling fan relay, or damaged fan motor, repairing wiring issues, or reprogramming or replacing the ECM if necessary.
7. Could a bad cooling fan relay cause the P0480 code?
Yes, a faulty cooling fan relay is a common cause of the P0480 code, as it prevents the fan from receiving power.
8. How much does it cost to fix a P0480 code on a Subaru?
Repair costs can range from $50 to $500, depending on whether you need to replace a relay, fan motor, or other components.
9. Will clearing the P0480 code fix the issue?
Clearing the code will turn off the check engine light temporarily, but the underlying issue must be repaired to prevent the code from returning.
10. Can a faulty thermostat cause a P0480 code on a Subaru?
A faulty thermostat is unlikely to trigger a P0480 code directly but could contribute to overheating if the cooling fan system is also malfunctioning.
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