Error Code P0481: What It Means & What To Do?

<<See All OBD Codes

P0481 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit Malfunction". It means there is a problem with the control circuit for cooling fan 2. The PCM controls the cooling fan by grounding the cooling fan control circuit which turns ON the cooling fan relay. This code is detected when the Powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match. When the Powertrain control module (PCM) cannot control the cooling fan as desired, it will set code P0481.

OBD-II Code P0481 is defined as a Fan 2 Control Circuit. This trouble code refers to the engine cooling fan circuit, as it experiences a malfunction causing the fan to fail, which then leads to engine to overheat. The PCM (powertrain control module) senses the increase in engine temperature through the coolant temperature sensor located near the thermostat. When the temperature reaches about 223-degrees F, the PCM will command the cooling fan relay to turn on the fan. It does so by supplying the ground to the relay. If this does not take place, the Check Engine light will illuminate on the dashboard.

This code should be rectified as soon as possible as overheating in the engine can damage a number of crucial components and lead to very expensive repairs.

What causes this problem with the Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit Malfunction?

• Faulty cooling fan 2
• Defective fan control relay 2
• Bad electrical connections
• Coolant temperature sensor failure
• Open or shorted harness of fan control relay
• Inoperative AC selector switch
• Defective AC refrigerant pressure sensor
• Faulty VSS

1. Cooling Fan Relay - A cooling fan relay is used on vehicles that have an electrical fan to cool the engine. The cooling fan relay takes the low voltage signal and internally switches the relay “on” to allow battery voltage to be supplied to the radiator cooling fan. Make sure it is working properly to avoid any serious issues.
2. Cooling Fan - A radiator cooling fan is a mechanical or electric fan that helps push or pull air through the radiator. If it is malfunctioned can cause major problems like overheating which further can damage the major components of your vehicle.
3. Coolant Temperature Sensor - A coolant temperature sensor (CTS) (also known as an ECT sensor or ECTS (engine coolant temperature sensor) is used to measure the temperature of the coolant/antifreeze mix in the cooling system, giving an indication of how much heat the engine is giving off. It is also one of the crucial components; make sure its efficient functionality to avoid associated trouble codes.
4. Refrigerant Pressure Sensor - The refrigerant pressure switch monitors the pressure in the air conditioning system to ensure it is operating properly. Replace it immediately if found faulty.

Below mentioned are some common symptoms for the OBD code P0481. If you discover any of them then take your vehicle to a reputed repair facility and get it rectified to avoid any major issue in future.

• Engine overheating
• AC may stop working
• Illuminated check engine light

Due to this error code P0481, you may not face any drivability issues but if this code is ignored can lead to serious issues. If in case cooling system is not working properly then your vehicle’s engine will start experiencing excess heat and can cause serious damage to the crucial components which further lead to the expensive repairs. Sometimes small electrical issues or malfunctions can falsely set off codes and simple things like a bad wire or corrosion around the connectors can cause trouble codes to appear. To fix this code following repairs and replacements may help:

• Repair the poor electrical connections.
• Repair or replace the wiring harness and connectors if found frayed.
• Cooling fan relay should be checked as well, replace it immediately if it is inoperative.
• If above mentioned steps are not able to fix the code, please inspect the cooling fan, if you discover that faulty then replace it in no time.

All the above-mentioned parts are available on Parts Avatar Canada at the best possible prices. Check out our web for the best deals available. Explore now!

To avoid any mistakes while diagnosing this code, it is always recommended to have your vehicle diagnosed with the help of qualified technician. Steps to diagnose this code are as follows:

• To diagnose this code, one should have diagnosing scan tool to check any codes present in PCM.
• Take a note of freeze frame data which actually helps you to know the actual condition of your vehicle when the code was appeared like RPM, vehicle speed etc.
• Clear the codes and then take the vehicle for a test drive to duplicate the conditions when the code was set.
• Visually inspect the fan system which may include fan’s operation and other signs of damage.
• Confirm the VSS sensor has proper readings, and if the coolant temperature sensor is reading accurately.
• Test the fan control relay.
• Check the AC pressure switch for proper operation, and if it’s reading within the specs.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0481 Code

The most common mistake is not diagnosing the vehicle as per steps. Missing the steps actually leads to unnecessary replacements. So, it is crucial to have your vehicle diagnosed from an experienced diagnostician.