P0481 Chevrolet Code - Cooling Fan Relay 2 Control Circuit Malfunction
Quick Answer
The electric cooling fan is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 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 PCM 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, Faulty cooling fan 2, Fan control relay harness is open or shorted. 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
- P0481 Chevrolet indicates Cooling Fan Relay 2 Control Circuit Malfunction.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty fan control relay, Faulty cooling fan 2, Fan control relay harness is open or shorted.
- 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 P0481 Chevrolet 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 PCM 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 P0481 Chevrolet?
- Faulty fan control relay
- Faulty cooling fan 2
- Fan control relay harness is open or shorted
- Fan control relay circuit poor electrical connection
- Fan cooling fan harness is open or shorted
- Fan cooling fan circuit poor electrical connection
How to Fix the DTC P0481 Chevrolet?
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 P0481 Chevrolet 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 P0481 Chevrolet code?
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Frequently Asked Questions about P0481 Chevrolet Code
No Frequently Asked Questions about P0481 Chevrolet Code found.
Discuss the causes and fixes for P0481 Chevrolet OBDII Code
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I need help my cooling fan is not coming on, it will come on if the ac is running. we have changed the thermos start switch tested the relay and the fuses, nothing any suggestions plz help on disability can not afford to take it to the mechanic
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no codes engine light came on but took it to oreilly auto parts to have it tested nothing
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Try swapping the relays. Also, make sure you bleed the cooling system. If there is air in the system the temperature sensor will not read the coolant temperature.
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I have a 2003 chevy impala and the car keeps heating up and I had already change the thermostat twice
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Do the radiator fans come ON when the engine is overheating? The P0481 code means that there is problem a with the coolant fan relay. I suggest starting by replacing the relays.
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I'm getting the same code P0481..the relays those square grey pieces rite?..and are those the ones in the lower or upper fuse box under the hood?
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