GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The engine cooling fan system consists of 2 electrical cooling fans and 3 fan relays. The relays are arranged in a series/parallel configuration that allows the engine control module (ECM), or powertrain control module (PCM), to operate both fans together at low or high speeds. The cooling fans receive positive voltage from the cooling fan relays which receive battery positive voltage from the underhood fuse block.

During low speed operation, the ECM or PCM supplies the ground path for the low speed fan relay, which is fan 1 relay, through the low speed cooling fan relay control circuit. This energizes the low speed fan relay coil, closes the relay contacts, and supplies battery positive voltage from the fan 1 fuse through the cooling fan motor supply voltage circuit to the left cooling fan. The ground path for the left cooling fan is through the series/parallel relay, which is fan 2 relay, and the right cooling fan. The result is a series circuit with both fans running at low speed.

During high speed operation the ECM or PCM supplies the ground path for the low speed fan relay through the low speed cooling fan relay control circuit. The ECM or PCM grounds the high speed fan relay, which is fan 3 relay, and the series/parallel relay through the high speed cooling fan relay control circuit. This energizes the series/parallel relay coil, closes the relay contacts, and provides a ground path for the left cooling fan. At the same time the high speed fan relay coil is energized closing the relay contacts and provides battery positive voltage from the fan 2 fuse on the cooling fan motor supply voltage circuit to the right cooling fan. During high speed fan operation, both engine cooling fans have their own ground path. The result is a parallel circuit with both fans running at high speed.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Cooling Fan Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify that DTCs P0480, P0481, P0691, P0692, P0693 and P0694 are not set.
  2. If any of the DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
  3. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan activation.
  4. Ignition ON, observe that the fans are not activated.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, leave the series/parallel relay, which is fan 2 relay, in place while disconnecting the other relays.
  2. Ignition ON, observe that the fans are not activated.
  3. If the fans are not activated, replace the faulty relay.
    If a fan is activated, test the fan voltage supply circuits for a short to voltage.

Repair Instructions

    •  Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement
    •  Relay Replacement

Repair Verification

  1. Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool that the control module is not commanding fan activation.
  2. Ignition ON, observe that the fans are not activated.