Electric Cooling Fan Control Circuit A Range/Performance Problem
There's an issue with the performance of the electric cooling fan control circuit.
Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.
What it means (plain English)
The engine's computer is not getting the right signals from the cooling fan circuit, which helps keep the engine cool. This could lead to overheating if not fixed.
What the computer is actually seeing
The engine control module (ECM) monitors the electric cooling fan operation through pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. It expects a specific duty cycle based on engine temperature. If it sees the duty cycle is out of range or the current draw from the fan is inconsistent, it triggers this fault code.
What a healthy reading looks like
Duty cycle for the fan should be between 40%-100% based on temperature input from the engine coolant sensor, while current draw should be around 5-20 amps under load.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Check for obvious wiring issues: inspect the wiring and connectors to the electric cooling fan and the fan relay for damage or corrosion. Decision: Are there visible issues? If yes, repair wiring/connector; if no, proceed to 2.
- 22. Verify the cooling fan operation: using a scan tool, command the fan to ON and see if it spins. Decision: Does the fan operate? If yes, proceed to 3; if no, test or replace the fan and retest.
- 33. Check the fan relay operation: Swap the fan relay with a known good one of the same type. Decision: Does the issue resolve? If yes, replace the faulty relay; if no, proceed to 4.
- 44. Measure the voltage at the fan connector when the fan should be running: it should be close to battery voltage (12V). Decision: Is the voltage present? If yes, further investigate the ECM or fan motor; if no, check the wiring back to the relay.
Common causes
- Faulty electric cooling fan
- Failed fan relay
- Wiring issues in the fan circuit
- Bad temperature sensor
- ECM/software issue
Typical repair cost
$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code present?
It's advisable to fix this code soon, as the engine may overheat if the cooling fan isn't functioning properly.
Will this code come back after repairs?
If all faulty components are replaced and the circuit is repaired, the code should not return.
Why does this code trigger when the vehicle is hot?
The ECU expects the cooling fan to activate at higher temps for proper cooling; a malfunction blocks this process.
Working a real vehicle right now?
Let DiagCoach walk you through it live with your specific symptoms, vehicle, and what you've already checked.
Start guided diagnostic →