2010 dodge journey code p0480

[SOLVED] P0480 Code: Fix Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit Malfunction Now!

Are you experiencing trouble with your car’s cooling fan?

The fault code P0480 might be the culprit. This code indicates a problem with the fan control relay or its circuit. Symptoms can include an overheating engine or the cooling fan not working at all.

The cause could be a faulty relay, a damaged wiring harness, or poor electrical connections. To fix the issue, visually inspect the wiring and connectors for any damage or corrosion. Check for broken or bent pins as well.

This repair is of moderate difficulty and should take around 1.0 hour to complete. Don’t let your engine overheat – address this issue promptly!

Decode The Symptoms Of Code P0480: Unveiling The Automotive Mystery

Experiencing issues with your vehicle’s cooling fan?

Check out the symptoms of fault code p0480 below.

• The symptoms of the automobile fault code P0480 include: 1.
• Malfunctioning cooling fan 2.
• Overheating engine 3.
• Engine temperature gauge showing high readings 4.
• Reduced air conditioning performance 5.
• Check Engine Light illuminated 6.
• Engine stalling or running rough 7.
• Decreased fuel efficiency 8.
• Unusual noise coming from the engine compartment 9.
• Burning smell from the engine 10.
• Loss of power while driving.

Unraveling The Mystery: What Causes Fault Code P0480?

The automobile fault code p0480 can be caused by a faulty fan control relay, open or shorted fan control relay harness, poor electrical connection in the fan control relay circuit, faulty cooling fan 1, open or shorted cooling fan harness, or poor electrical connection in the cooling fan circuit.

• The fault code p0480 can be caused by the following: a faulty fan control relay, an open or shorted fan control relay harness, a poor electrical connection in the fan control relay circuit, a faulty cooling fan 1, an open or shorted cooling fan harness, and a poor electrical connection in the cooling fan circuit.

Fixing Code P0480: A Step-By-Step Guide To Resolve The Issue

To fix the p0480 fault code, start by visually inspecting the wiring harness, connectors, and components for any damage or corrosion.

• To fix the automobile fault code p0480, start by checking the possible causes mentioned above.
• Then, visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the issue.
• Look for any damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.
• This fix typically takes around 1.0 hour to complete.

Cracking The Code: P0480 Fixing Cost And Complexity Unveiled!

The factors influencing the diagnosis and fixing cost of the automobile fault code p0480 are the estimated repair time of 1.0 hour and the average hourly rate charged by auto repair shops, which ranges between $75 and $150.

Decode P0480: Unveiling The Symptoms And Solutions

When you see the Engine Light ON or the Service Engine Soon Warning Light, it’s a sign that something is not right with your vehicle. One possible culprit could be the fault code P0480. This code indicates that your engine is overheating.

Engine overheating is a serious issue that should not be ignored. It can lead to engine damage and even complete engine failure if not addressed promptly. When your engine overheats, it means that the cooling system is not functioning properly, and the engine is not being cooled down effectively.

This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a malfunctioning cooling fan or a faulty thermostat. If you notice the Engine Light ON and your engine is overheating, it’s important to take immediate action. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause severe damage.

It’s best to pull over to a safe location, turn off the engine, and let it cool down. Then, you should have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and fix the underlying issue causing the overheating.

Don’t delay in addressing this problem to avoid costly repairs and potential breakdowns on the road.

The fault code P0480 in an automobile can be caused by a faulty fan control relay, an open or shorted fan control relay harness, a poor electrical connection in the fan control relay circuit, a faulty cooling fan, an open or shorted cooling fan harness, or a poor electrical connection in the cooling fan circuit. To fix this issue, it is recommended to visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors, check for damaged components, and look for any broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

To fix fault code P0480, start by visually inspecting the wiring harness and connectors. Look for any damaged components and check if there are any broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded pins in the connectors. This can help identify if the issue lies with a faulty fan control relay, an open or shorted fan control relay harness, a poor electrical connection in the fan control relay circuit, a faulty cooling fan, an open or shorted fan cooling fan harness, or a poor electrical connection in the fan cooling fan circuit.

To resolve fault code P0480, start by visually inspecting the wiring harness and connectors. Look for any damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins. This can help identify if the issue lies with a faulty fan control relay, an open or shorted fan control relay harness, a poor electrical connection in the fan control relay circuit, a faulty cooling fan, an open or shorted fan cooling fan harness, or a poor electrical connection in the fan cooling fan circuit. Be thorough in your inspection to ensure a proper fix.

To fix the P0480 fault code, start by visually inspecting the wiring harness and connectors.

Look for any damage or corrosion. Check the fan control relay and cooling fan for any faults.

Make sure all connectors are intact and not bent or corroded. Address any issues found to resolve the problem.

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P0480 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)

Discovering that your vehicle has a P0480 code can be a worrisome, leaving you concerned about potential repair costs and whether your vehicle is safe to drive. But don’t panic just yet!

In most cases, the repair costs won’t be too bad, but diagnosing the root cause can be a bit tricky. Keep reading to learn about the possible causes of a P0480 code, how to diagnose and fix the issue, and whether you can continue to drive until you can get your car in the repair shop.

Table of Contents

What Does Code P0480 Mean?

Today’s vehicles commonly employ the use of electric cooling fans to ward off overheating and make sure that proper engine temperatures are maintained. In the event of an active P0480 fault, an engine’s PCM/ECM has determined that the #1 cooling fan is likely inoperable, signifying compromised cooling capacity.

Under standard operating conditions, the overall engine temperature is monitored via feedback from the engine’s coolant temperature sensor. This feedback, as well as the feedback from various other auxiliary sensors, is interpreted and rationalized by the vehicle’s PCM/ECM.

When a certain engine temperature is reached, a call signal (power/ground) is provided to the #1 cooling fan circuit.

Diagnostic fault code P0480 is logged when electrical feedback pertaining to the circuit’s voltage/amperage is deemed irrational or illogical by the controlling PCM/ECM. Simply put, the controlling module does not detect the anticipated electrical draw across the #1 cooling fan circuit that would typically signify fan engagement. 

Symptoms of Code P0480

Diagnostic fault code P0480 is often accompanied by various secondary symptoms, ranging from obvious to subtle. The first step in resolving the issue often involves recognizing these symptoms for what they represent.

Here are several of the most commonly encountered symptoms associated with DTC P0480:

• Illuminated check engine light  
• Potential derate or entry into “ limp mode ”
• Rising temperatures when sitting at traffic lights
• Audible pre-detonation “ping”
• Reduced fuel economy
• Higher than normal emissions output

Causes of Code P0480

The root cause of fault code P0480 can be one of a variety of underlying problems, and identifying the exact culprit can prove to be challenging. However, those familiar with the potential causes have a better chance to diagnose the issue quickly.

Here are some of the most common causes behind the P0480 DTC:

• Defective #1 fan control relay
• Faulty #1 cooling fan
• Faulty coolant temperature sensor
• Damaged #1 fan circuit wiring
• Inaccurate IAT sensor feedback
• Faulty A/C pressure switch
• VSS-related issues
• PCM failure

Is Code P0480 Serious?

Diagnostic fault code P0480 is generally considered to be of moderate severity, due to the impending threat of overheating that typically accompanies cooling fan failure.

Severe or prolonged overheating can lead to far more significant issues, such as blown head gaskets , or even a cracked block/heads . Therefore, fan operation must be substantiated immediately.

In most cases, continued operation of a vehicle with an active P0480 diagnostic fault code should be avoided, at least until proper #1 cooling fan function can be substantiated.

Aside from the risk of overheating, continued operation of a vehicle without full function of its cooling fans can lead to increased fuel consumption, marginalized performance, and enhanced emissions output.

In any event, the root cause of a vehicle’s P0480 diagnostic fault code should be thoroughly diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so can very possibly prevent serious engine damage from being incurred.

If you’re not confident in your ability to undertake these repairs on your own, an appointment should be made with a reputable automotive service center at your earliest convenience.

How to Fix Code P0480

The following steps can be used to assist in the diagnosis and repair of a vehicle’s P0480 code. Before diving into any repairs, always refer to your vehicle’s factory service manual for specific guidelines and procedures.

#1 – Scan For Additional DTCs

Before beginning the diagnostic process, check for the presence of any additional diagnostic fault codes. Any such faults that are recorded should be thoroughly diagnosed before proceeding.

At the very least, you’ll know if any fault codes exist that are actually even more serious in nature.

#2 – Inspect Cooling Fan/Wiring

Begin by carefully inspecting your vehicle’s electric cooling fans. Most vehicles will have 2 fans of this type, and it is best to inspect both.

With the vehicle ignition “off”, spin both fans to ensure that they are free, thereby eliminating bearing failure as a possibility.

Next, inspect the wiring harness to each fan for signs of damage. Verify that all connector pins are present and that all connectors are fully seated.

#3 – Verify Sensor Feeds

From this point, one will need to verify that all pertinent sensor-related feedback is relayed and is within specification. This can be done with a quality OBD-II scan tool .

It will be necessary to confirm that all feedback from the vehicle’s ECT, VSS, IAT, and A/C pressure switch is within specification. These values should be compared to model-specific service literature to ensure validity.

#4 – Test Fan Circuit

Assuming all sensor feedback proved valid, your next step is to test the affected fan circuit itself.

First, the presence of power at the fuse to the circuit in question should be verified across both posts of the fuse with a test light or digital multimeter. A lack of power at this point would cast doubt upon the vehicle’s ignition switch.

If power is present, a relay tester should be employed to rule out relay failure, and to verify circuit integrity.

#5 – Test PCM Function

If no issues have been found to this point, it’s possible that the vehicle’s PCM (or ECM) is to blame for the failure in question. In most cases, the PCM/ECM will provide the fan control circuit with a valid ground for operation. Therefore, the potential for PCM/ECM-related fan circuit issues does exist.

Any further testing in this regard should be conducted in strict accordance with factory-backed, model-specific service literature, as to prevent misdiagnosis, and the hefty costs attributed to a misdiagnosis of this magnitude. In other words, these control modules are not cheap!

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P0480 Code – What Does It Mean & How To Fix It

This is one of the most frequent  OBD2 trouble codes . Read the full article below to know what it means, how to fix it, and what other codes may show related to it.

P0480 is an OBD-II Code that refers to Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit Malfunction

A P0480 code is a diagnostic trouble code meaning that the cooling fan 1 control circuit has a malfunction. The cooling fan was attempting to be turned on by the vehicle’s ECU, but it had failed to operate or a fault was detected. The ECU lights a Check Engine Light on the dashboard as a result of this.

Common causes for this code include:

• Faulty fan control relay
• Faulty cooling fan 1
• Fan control relay harness is open or shorted
• The electrical connection between the fan control relay and the fans may be faulty
• Fan cooling fan harness is open or shorted
• Fan cooling circuit poor electrical connection

The symptoms of a P1404 code are:

• Check engine light (malfunction indicator lamp) illumination
• When the automobile stops, the engine temperature rises

To diagnose a P1404 DTC code, a technician would:

• Scan for codes in the ECM and look at the freeze frame data for failure.
• The fan control relay, the cooling fans and the connector for these parts will be checked
• With a multimeter, check the power and ground circuits for both fans
• Inspect the electrical connection at both fans
• Check harnesses between engine compartment components with connectors that have poor connection, broken wires or corrosion.

Common mistakes

The following are some of the most common mistakes that a technician may make when diagnosing a P1404 code:

• Not properly identifying the cause of the problem when using Freeze Frame Data.
• When testing between power and ground for the fans, not disconnecting connectors to check for corrosion or poor connection.
• Not checking harnesses with connectors that have poor connections, broken wires, or corrosion properly.
• Not using an OEM wiring diagram when testing harnesses

How serious is this?

A P1404 code is not an immediate problem with a common result of a Check Engine Light on the dashboard. The vehicle can still be driven even with higher than normal temperatures, but if it continues to happen frequently, then this could indicate another problem. A P1404 code, if left long enough, severe engine damage or any other severe results could occur.

What repairs can fix the code?

The following are solutions that may fix this problem:

• Finding and repairing electrical connection problems
• Fan Wiring harness replacement or repair
• Replacing the VSS sensor
• Changing the engine coolant temperature sensor
• Replacing cooling fan 1
• Changing the AC pressure switch
• Replacing the fan control relay

In conclusion, the P1404 code is a diagnostic trouble code that refers to Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit Malfunction. This means that the cooling fan was attempting to be turned on by the vehicle’s ECU, but it had failed to operate or a fault was detected. The check engine light will illuminate as a result of this malfunction. Some common causes for this code include: faulty fan control relay, faulty cooling fan 1, or poor electrical connection at both fans. Be mindful that if you are diagnosing your own car, it is still important to have a professional technician diagnose further major issues with your car before beginning any major repairs for this code after checking all other possibilities first.

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Dodge Caravan P0480: Meaning, Causes & Diagnosis

P0480 is a relatively common OBDII trouble code.  It indicates that your Dodge Caravan’s “cooling fan 1 control circuit” is malfunctioning.  It’s a generic code, so it has the same meaning for any vehicle made for the 1996 model year and up.

P0480 Definition:  Cooling Fan 1 – Control Circuit Malfunction

Here is the definition of P0480 for the Dodge Caravan, broken down by its two major parts: 

Cooling Fan 1

Modern vehicles are equipped with electric cooling fans.  They are activated by the PCM (powertrain control module), whenever your Caravan reaches a certain temperature.  One or both of them will also come on when the air conditioner is running.

Control Circuit Malfunction

If the PCM has commanded cooling fan 1 to turn on, but there is an error, P0480 will be stored in the PCM’s memory.  This occurs if either the fan doesn’t respond or the PCM detects a serious fault in the control circuit.

P0480 Symptoms: Dodge Caravan

• Service engine soon light
• Overheating engine

With P0480 your Caravan should not drive any different.  The fan will not affect the way that the engine runs (unless you start to overheat).  If you overheat, the engine may start knocking , misfiring, or smoking.

As stated above, driving your Caravan without a functioning fan can cause it to overheat, particularly if you are driving on a hot day or you’re in heavy traffic.  It can also cause the air conditioner to stop functioning properly.

You’ll want to keep an eye on the temperature gauge and fix P0480 as soon as possible.  Once you start overheating, you may blow a head gasket and that requires a much more expensive repair.

Dodge Caravan P0480 Causes + Diagnosis

Here are the likely causes of P0480.  The problem with this code is that there are so many potential causes.  Here, they are listed in a decent order to check them in.  

1. Check for Other Codes

Cross-referencing other codes can help you gain valuable insight.  For instance, if you get a code related to the engine coolant temperature sensor, repairing it may very well clear P0480 in your Caravan.

2. Inspect Cooling Fan 1

Disconnect the battery.  You don’t want the fan spinning up (which could happen if you try and spin it and the vehicle is hot).

If your particular Dodge Caravan has two fans, the one that is NOT in front of the air conditioner is almost always fan 1.

You’re going to spin the fan to see if it’s locked up or otherwise bad.  Make sure that the engine is ice-cold or the battery is unhooked before spinning it.  Fans can turn on without warning when the engine is hot.

If the fan requires effort to spin, then it’s bad.  Replacing it should fix P0480 in your Caravan.  Clear the codes and see if it comes back.

3. Inspect the Wiring Harness at the Fan

If the fan is spinning ok, check the wiring harness going to it.  Fan wiring can be destroyed by debris from the road getting kicked under the vehicle and tearing up the harness.  If you live in an area that is chipmunk friendly, don’t be surprised if they chewed the wiring.  I’ve seen this a few times.

Make sure that the terminals are plugged in tightly to the fan and that they are not damaged.  Verify that the pins are straight and corrosion-free.

4. Inspect the Fan Relay and Fuses

Now that we have verified that nothing obvious is causing P0480, it’s time to take a look under your Caravan’s hood at the fan relay.  Before you do, inspect the fan relay fuses to make sure that they haven’t been blown.  You can do this visually.  Verify power going to the fan relay.

Now it’s time to take a look at fan relay 1 itself.  Check out the video below, it’ll show you how to test the fan relay with a multimeter.  If there’s no power going to the relay, you’ll need to find where the short is.

5. Other P0480 Causes

Here are some other common causes of P0480, although they aren’t as common as the ones listed above:

• VSS (vehicle speed sensor)
• Intake Air Temp Sensor Failure
• A/C Pressure Switch

P0480 is usually caused by a bad fan or a bad fan relay.  Good luck fixing your Dodge Caravan!

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