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 control module (ECM) commands the fans ON in high speed or low speed. In low speed, the fans are configured in series. In high speed, the fans are configured in parallel.

In low speed operation, the ECM applies ground to the coil side of the low speed fan relay, which is the Fan 1 Relay. Voltage is applied directly to the left cooling fan through the switch side of the low speed fan relay. The right fan is connected in series to the left fan through the de-energized Series/Parallel relay, which is Fan 2 Relay, so that both fans operate at low speed.

In high speed operation, the ECM applies a ground to the coil side of the low speed fan relay, the Series/Parallel relay, and the high speed fan relay, which is the Fan 3 Relay. Voltage is applied directly to the right cooling fan through the switch side of the high speed fan relay. The left cooling fan obtains voltage through the low speed fan relay and ground through the Series/Parallel relay.

When the ECM is commanding a fan relay ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low, near 0 volts. When the ECM is commanding a fan relay OFF, the voltage of the control circuit should be high, near battery voltage.

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

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. If DTCs P0480 or P0481 are set, then perform those diagnostics first.
  2. Verify with a scan tool that the ECM is not commanding fan relay activation.
  3. Ignition ON, command each relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Observe to verify that the fan turns ON and OFF with each command.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: You must perform the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the Series/Parallel relay, which is fan 2 relay.
  2. Ignition ON, activate the cooling fan relay 1 with a scan tool. The fan should be OFF.
  3. If the fan is activated, test the left fan ground circuit for a short to ground.
  4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the remaining relays.
  5. Install a 30A fused jumper between the normally-open switch contact terminals at the Series/Parallel relay connector in order to complete the fan ground circuit. Leave this jumper in place for the remainder of this procedure.
  6. One at a time, connect a 30A fused jumper between the positive terminal at the battery and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal at the Fan 1 Relay and the Fan 3 Relay connections and verify fan activation.
  7. If the appropriate fan does not activate, test the fan voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test the fan ground circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the fan.
  8. Ignition ON, connect a 30A fused jumper between the relay switch voltage supply circuit terminal and the fan voltage supply circuit terminal at the Fan 1 Relay and the Fan 3 Relay connections and verify fan activation.
  9. If the fan does not activate, test the relay switch voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and its fuse is open, test all connected components and replace as necessary.
  10. If the circuits and fans test normal, replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

    •  Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming

Repair Verification

Ignition ON, command each relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Observe to verify that the fans turn ON and OFF with each command.