I have a check engine light on, on a 97 Pontiac Sunfire 2.4 Twin Cam... whats wrong?

Question

The check engine light has been on for awhile, the code is: P0480 Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit Malfunction

I replaced the Coolant temp sensor, the coolant relay, and the fan and fan motor. I don't know what else it could be. Maybe the Thermostat? I don't' know. Anyone else know what else it may be? or possibly how to solve it?

Answer 1

Could be a relay or even the fan itself is bad.  Disconnect the connector and run a fused jumper to battery and another wire to ground to see if the fan turns.  Keep fingers and other objects away from fan.

Answer 2

The computer controls the relay for the fan. That could be the problem. You need to get a wiring diagram and start tracing the wiring to know for sure.

I think you should save yourself some money and have a pro diag it for you and then just replace one more part.

Answer 3

You may just need to reset the computer module. Take it to Auto Zone and have them use the code reader and reset it. You might try to reset it by disconnecting the battery for about a 30 minutes...but then you have to reset your radio stations and clock...so that is a pain.

Answer 4

Sounds like you could have a voltage or resistance problem if the car is not overheating and the fan is working.  GM relays have issues when the get older and need replacement.

Answer 5

P0480

Cooling fan primary circuit condition

   – The engine cooling fan relay circuit is monitored for opens and shorts

Probable Cause[s]

   1. Cooling fan relay defective

   2. Check connector and wiring

Answer 6

check the harness that goes to the sensor that runs the fan, if the fan don,t work, maybe the plug-in is bad. you could try another thermostat.

Answer 7

Does it overheat?