P0481 Ford Code - Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
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, 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 Ford indicates Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit.
- 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 Ford 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 P0481 Ford?
- 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 Ford?
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 Ford 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 Ford code?
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Information for Specific Ford Models
- P0481 1997 Ford F150 — High Fan Control Primary Circuit Failure
- P0481 1998 Ford F150 — High Fan Control Primary Circuit Failure
- P0481 1999 Ford F150 — High Fan Control Primary Circuit Failure
- P0481 2000 Ford F150 — High Fan Control Primary Circuit Failure
- P0481 2001 Ford F150 — High Fan Control Primary Circuit Failure
- P0481 2002 Ford F150 — High Fan Control Primary Circuit Failure
- P0481 2003 Ford F150 — High Fan Control Primary Circuit Failure
- P0481 2006 Ford Fusion — Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
- P0481 2007 Ford Fusion — Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
- P0481 2008 Ford Fusion — Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
- P0481 2009 Ford Fusion — Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
- P0481 2010 Ford Fusion — Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
- P0481 2011 Ford Fusion — Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
- P0481 2012 Ford Fusion — Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions about P0481 Ford Code
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