P0481Fan 2 Control Circuit
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- The engine module switches the radiator fan either through a relay, whose coil it pulls to ground, or with a PWM signal to a fan control module. The circuit is an output that CARB requires to be checked continuously. P0481 concerns the second fan control circuit – depending on the design a second fan or a second speed stage; on GM and Saab, relays 2 and 3 switch the fans in series or parallel for low and high speed. GM sets it for an open circuit (200 kΩ or more, 50 of 63 samples, MIL after two trips) and reports shorts as P0693/P0694. Ford's OBD summaries do not contain the code. One fan stage then fails or runs constantly; cooling usually remains partly available.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- One fan stage or fan not working, or running constantly
- Temperature rises at standstill
- Likely causes
- LikelyFan relay 2 (or 2/3) faulty
- PossibleCorrosion or water in relay or fan connector
- PossibleControl wire open or shorted to ground
- RareDriver in the engine module
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €20 – €500
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.