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.

Causes

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

Symptoms

The symptoms of a P1404 code are:

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

Diagnosis

To diagnose a P1404 DTC code, a technician would:

1. Scan for codes in the ECM and look at the freeze frame data for failure.
2. The fan control relay, the cooling fans and the connector for these parts will be checked
3. With a multimeter, check the power and ground circuits for both fans
4. Inspect the electrical connection at both fans
5. 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

Conclusion

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.