AutoCodes – GMC – P1481 GMC

P1481 GMC Code - Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost

Quick Answer

The engine cooling fan is a variable speed fan. Common causes include Faulty Fan Clutch Assembly, Fan Clutch Assembly harness is open or shorted, Fan Clutch Assembly 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: P1481 GMC indicates Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Fan Clutch Assembly, Fan Clutch Assembly harness is open or shorted, Fan Clutch Assembly 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 27,177

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 24, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1481 GMC Description

The engine cooling fan is a variable speed fan. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the fan speed by sending a pulse width modulated signal to the cooling fan speed control module. The cooling fan control module varies the voltage drop across the engine cooling fan motor in relation to the pulse width modulated signal. The cooling fan speed is affected by many different conditions and can be adjusted from 10-90 percent duty cycle. Ninety percent is considered high fan speed. When multiple cooling speed requests are received, the ECM uses the highest cooling fan speed of all the requests. During normal fan ON operation, the control circuit voltage will be low and near battery voltage when the fan is OFF.

OBDII Code P1481 GMC - Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost - AutoCodes.com — P1481 GMC Code - Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1481 GMC?

Faulty Fan Clutch Assembly
Fan Clutch Assembly harness is open or shorted
Fan Clutch Assembly circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1481 GMC?

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 P1481 GMC 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 P1481 GMC 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 P1481 GMC Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1481 GMC?

- Common symptoms include the cooling fan not turning on, engine overheating, and the Check Engine Light coming on.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P1481 GMC to trigger?

- The code can be triggered by a faulty cooling fan motor, a malfunctioning cooling fan relay, a broken fan blade, or a wiring issue.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P1481 GMC?

- You can diagnose the issue by checking the cooling fan operation, inspecting the fan motor and relay, and testing the wiring for any faults or breaks.

4. What are the possible repair options for OBDII code P1481 GMC?

- Repair options include replacing the cooling fan motor, replacing the cooling fan relay, fixing any wiring issues, or replacing the fan blade if damaged.

5. Can I continue driving with OBDII code P1481 GMC triggered?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with this code triggered, as it can lead to engine overheating and potential damage if the cooling fan is not functioning properly.

6. How do I reset the OBDII code P1481 GMC after repairs?

- You can reset the code using an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the car's battery for a few minutes to clear the fault code.

7. Is it possible to prevent OBDII code P1481 GMC from occurring?

- Regular maintenance of the cooling fan system, checking for any signs of wear or damage, and addressing any issues promptly can help prevent this code from occurring.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P1481 GMC at home?

- Depending on the underlying issue, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to fix the problem at home by following repair guides or seeking assistance from online forums.

9. What are the risks of ignoring OBDII code P1481 GMC?

- Ignoring this code can lead to engine overheating, potential damage to engine components, and ultimately result in costly repairs if left unresolved.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P1481 GMC?

- The repair time can vary depending on the cause of the issue, but it generally takes a couple of hours to a day to diagnose and fix the problem.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1481 GMC OBDII Code

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james
Date: March 5, 2017 at 4:24 pm

have same code happin after I changed a clutch fan still in limp mode reduced power tried diff pcm still issue haven't done full look over of wire harness to see if lose wire anywere but that's next on list

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