AutoCodesGMC – P0480 2015 GMC Sierra

P0480 2015 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 2015 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 355
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 2015 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 2015 GMC Sierra - Cooling Fan Speed Output Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P0480 2015 GMC Sierra Code - Cooling Fan Speed Output Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0480 2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0480 mean for a 2015 GMC Sierra?

P0480 indicates an issue with the cooling fan speed output circuit, suggesting the engine control module (ECM) has detected a problem with the cooling fan relay or its control circuit.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0480 in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include the engine overheating, the cooling fan not operating as expected, the A/C not functioning properly, and the check engine light illuminating.

3. What causes code P0480 to appear in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Common causes include a faulty cooling fan relay, damaged wiring or connectors in the fan circuit, a malfunctioning cooling fan motor, or a defective ECM.

4. Can I drive my 2015 GMC Sierra with code P0480?

It is not recommended to drive with this code active, as it could lead to engine overheating, causing severe damage to the engine.

5. How do I diagnose code P0480 on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Start by checking the cooling fan relay, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the cooling fan motor, and using a multimeter to verify circuit continuity.

6. How can I fix code P0480 on my 2015 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may include replacing a faulty cooling fan relay, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing the cooling fan motor, or reprogramming or replacing the ECM if necessary.

7. What tools are needed to troubleshoot code P0480 on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

You'll typically need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter, and basic hand tools for inspecting and testing the cooling fan circuit components.

8. How much does it cost to repair code P0480 on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue; replacing a cooling fan relay might cost $50–$150, while more complex repairs like replacing the fan motor or ECM could exceed $500.

9. Can a faulty cooling fan motor trigger code P0480 in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a malfunctioning cooling fan motor can cause this code by preventing the cooling fan from operating correctly.

10. Will clearing the code P0480 solve the problem on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Clearing the code will remove it temporarily, but the issue will persist unless the underlying problem is diagnosed and repaired.

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