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P0480 Severity
Identifying an OBD code is just the start of a complete diagnostic routine. Most trouble codes are caused by a sensor reporting a value that is out of range. Just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues. Be sure to understand the code, the part or system in your car that the code refers to, and the risks of delaying professional repair.
Proper diagnosis will save you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Urgent codes indicate immediate action is necessary. These are urgent and significant malfunctions that can cause severe damage to the vehicle or harm the driver and passengers.
The purpose of the electric cooling fan system is to provide extra cooling capacity to the conventional radiator cooling system on hot days, and/or when the A/C is on, an/or when the vehicle is being driven in stop and go traffic which causes insufficient Airflow over the radiator. When the engine control module (PCM) cannot control the cooling fan as desired, it will set code P0480.
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OBD-II Code P0480 is defined as a Cooling Fan Relay 1 Control Circuit
The purpose of the electric cooling fan system is to provide extra cooling capacity to the conventional radiator cooling system on hot days, and/or when the A/C is on, and/or when the vehicle is being driven in stop and go traffic which causes insufficient air flow over the radiator. 25 years ago, most cars and light trucks utilized a mechanical cooling fan attached to the front of the engine to increase air flow through the radiator. However, as fuel economy and low emissions became a high automobile design priority, vehicle engine cooling systems incorporated computer controlled electric cooling fan systems and abandoned the less efficient mechanical cooling fan.
When code P0480 is triggered, the power train control module or PCM is commanding the cooling fan to operate, but the PCM is not seeing the proper electrical feedback from the cooling fan circuitry that would indicate the fan is operating properly.
I find it best to use a bi-directional scan tool (if possible) to inspect the operation of the cooling fan system. I like to view the commands given by the PCM (or myself) to the cooling fan relays. Then I observe the activation of the cooling fan relays while observing the operation of the cooling fan(s). I like to see a predictable engine temperature that oscillates as the cooling fans go on and off. Usually, I see the PCM activate the cooling fan(s) at around 225 degrees F and they will shut off at about 207 degrees F. This inspection is performed with the Air Conditioning off, the engine idling and the vehicle in Park on a 60+ degree F day.