AutoCodes – Generic – P0696

P0696 Code - Cooling Fan 3 Control Circuit High

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Cooling Fan 3 Control Circuit. Common causes include Faulty Fan 3 Relay, Fan 3 Relay harness is open or shorted, Fan 3 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: P0696 indicates Cooling Fan 3 Control Circuit High.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Fan 3 Relay, Fan 3 Relay harness is open or shorted, Fan 3 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.

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Code Popularity 8,760

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 May 06, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0696 Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Cooling Fan 3 Control Circuit. The ECM sets the OBDII code when the Cooling Fan 3 Control Circuit is not to the factory specifications.

OBDII Code P0696 - Cooling Fan 3 Control Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P0696 Code - Cooling Fan 3 Control Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0696?

Faulty Fan 3 Relay
Fan 3 Relay harness is open or shorted
Fan 3 Relay circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Fan 3
Fan 3 harness is open or shorted
Fan 3 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0696?

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 P0696 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 P0696 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.