P0480: Cooling fan 1 control circuit

What P0480 means

The computer found a problem in the circuit that turns the main cooling fan on and off. Without the fan the engine can overheat in traffic.

Common symptoms

• Engine running hot or overheating
• Cooling fan always on or never on

Common causes

• Faulty cooling fan, relay or fan motor
• Damaged wiring, corroded connector or blown fuse

Can I keep driving?

Fix soon. Usually drivable for a short time, but get it checked soon. Ignoring it can waste fuel, raise emissions and lead to more damage.

What to do next

1. Write down the code and any symptoms you notice.
2. Check the simple things first: the fuel cap, loose connectors and fluid levels where they apply.
3. Do not just clear the code. If the light comes back, the cause is still there and needs a proper diagnosis.
4. Read live data and freeze frame data with an OBD-II scanner app to see what the car was doing when the code was set.

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