AutoCodes – Generic – P1481

P1481 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 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 30,921

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1481?

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?

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 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 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1481 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1481 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P1481 Buick — Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost
P1481 Cadillac — Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost
P1481 Chevrolet — Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost
P1481 Chrysler — EATX RPM Pulse Performance Condition
P1481 Dodge — EATX RPM Pulse Performance Condition
P1481 Ford — Fan Secondary Low Eith High Fans On
P1481 GMC — Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost
P1481 Land Rover — Leak Detection Pump Heater Circuit
P1481 Mazda — Fan Secondary Low Eith High Fans On

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 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1481 (Cooling Fan Speed Signal Lost)?

The common symptoms include overheating of the engine, poor air conditioning performance, and the cooling fan not running at the appropriate speed.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1481?

Potential causes of this code include a faulty cooling fan motor, damaged wiring or connectors in the cooling fan circuit, a defective cooling fan relay, or a malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code P1481?

You can diagnose the problem by checking the cooling fan operation, inspecting the wiring and connectors for any damage, testing the cooling fan relay, and scanning the engine for any other related trouble codes.

4. Can a failed engine coolant temperature sensor trigger OBDII code P1481?

Yes, a malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor can cause the cooling fan to not operate properly, leading to the triggering of code P1481.

5. What are the repair tips for addressing OBDII code P1481?

Repair tips include replacing a faulty cooling fan motor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring and connectors, testing and replacing a defective cooling fan relay, and ensuring proper operation of the engine coolant temperature sensor.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code P1481 present?

It is not recommended to drive with this code as it can lead to engine overheating and potential damage. It is best to address the issue promptly to avoid further complications.

7. Can OBDII code P1481 be reset after repairs are made?

Yes, the code can be reset using an OBDII scanner after the necessary repairs have been completed. This will clear the code from the vehicle's computer system.

8. Will OBDII code P1481 cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test?

Yes, this code can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test, as it indicates a problem with the cooling fan system, which is essential for proper engine operation and emissions control.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1481?

The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the underlying cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

10. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P1481 in the future?

Regular maintenance of the cooling system, such as checking the cooling fan operation, inspecting wiring for damage, and replacing coolant as recommended, can help prevent issues that may trigger code P1481.