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P0480ModeratePowertrain

P0480: How to Diagnose & Fix — Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit

12 vehicles · 9 makes · $75-$1,800 repair

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How to diagnose and fix P0480: most-reported vehicles

Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.

Audi A4 · 2009–2018

Community reported
920 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0128P0480

Various plastic coolant flanges and fittings can crack and leak, particularly on the side of the engine. These plastic components become brittle with age and heat exposure. Multiple leak points possible.

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant leak on side of engine
  • Low coolant warning
  • Sweet coolant smell
  • Overheating if severe
  • Coolant puddle after parking

How to Fix

Replace failed coolant flange or fitting. Consider replacing nearby plastic fittings while in there as they likely have similar wear. Metal replacement flanges available from aftermarket.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $500
Sources for this issue (1)
  • Audi TSB 2061604/5 - 2.0TFSI Coolant Leak at Thermostat Housing or Coolant Pumptsb

Research This Issue

Based on 920 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence920 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2023Reviewed Feb 2026

Jeep Grand Wagoneer · 2021–2023

Community reported
58 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0480P0481P0691P0692

The electric cooling fan module on the Grand Wagoneer has been documented to fail, causing the dual electric radiator fans to run at reduced speed or stop entirely, resulting in engine coolant temperature spikes especially at low speeds and in traffic. The fan control module can develop internal MOSFET failures due to heat cycling, and Stellantis issued related service guidance through their dealer network. Owners report the temperature gauge rising into the red zone during stop-and-go driving and the A/C compressor cutting out as a secondary symptom.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine temperature gauge rising above normal in traffic
  • Cooling fans audibly not running or running slowly at idle
  • A/C compressor cuts out unexpectedly in hot weather
  • Overheating warning message on instrument cluster
  • Check engine light with fan control related fault codes

How to Fix

Replace the integrated fan control module (FCM) mounted near the radiator assembly. Updated module part numbers have been released by Mopar to address thermal reliability. Inspect cooling fan wiring harness for chafing near the module connector, as wiring damage can mimic module failure. Coolant system inspection and flush recommended simultaneously.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Mopar 68275634AD standard-duty radiator fan assembly
    OEMMopar 68275634AD

    Fan/module replacement after command and circuit tests confirm failure on the standard-duty 6.4L branch Fitment/availability: 2022-2023 Grand Wagoneer 6.4L without heavy-duty cooling. Confirm VIN/cooling sales code; not for heavy-duty co…

    MoparPartsGiant
  • Genuine Mopar 68268606AE heavy-duty radiator fan assembly
    OEMMopar 68268606AE

    Fan/module replacement after command and circuit tests confirm failure on the heavy-duty 6.4L branch Fitment/availability: 2022-2023 Grand Wagoneer 6.4L with heavy-duty cooling. Confirm VIN/cooling sales code; not for standard-duty cooli…

  • Genuine Mopar 68468156AC 3.0L radiator fan assembly
    OEMMopar 68468156AC

    Fan/module replacement after command and circuit tests confirm failure on the 3.0L Hurricane branch Fitment/availability: 2022-2025 Grand Wagoneer 3.0L catalog branch. Confirm VIN/current supersession; not for either 6.4L cooling configu…

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$450 - $1,600

Research This Issue

Based on 58 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence58 owner reportsReviewed May 2026

Infiniti FX50 · 2009–2013

Link to this issueError Codes:P0128P0217P0480P0483

As these vehicles age, cooling system issues such as radiator seepage, fan control problems, or thermostat degradation can lead to elevated engine temperatures. The VK50VE V8 runs hot under load, so any reduction in cooling efficiency can quickly cause overheating, especially in traffic or hot climates.

Common Symptoms

  • Temperature gauge rising in traffic
  • Coolant smell near front of vehicle
  • Visible coolant loss
  • Cooling fans not running properly
  • Engine overheating warning

How to Fix

Diagnosis should include pressure-testing the cooling system, checking for radiator tank leaks, verifying fan operation, and monitoring live coolant temperature data. Repairs may involve replacing the radiator, thermostat, hoses, or fan assembly and refilling with the correct coolant; total cost typically ranges from $300 to $1,400 depending on the failed component.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • DENSO replacement radiator with transmission-oil cooler
    OEMDENSO 221-3425

    radiator branch after a core, tank or integrated-cooler fault is confirmed Fitment/availability: DENSO 221-3425 is cataloged for the 2009-2013 Infiniti FX50 5.0L VK50VE and includes the transmission-oil cooler. Confirm VIN and listing pa…

    PartsGeek
  • Genuine Infiniti VK50VE thermostat
    OEMInfiniti 21200-AD201 / 21200-1LA1A

    Do not select the VQ35HR/VQ37VHR thermostats also shown on the model page; confirm VIN.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti driver-side cooling-fan motor
    OEMInfiniti 21486-1BH0A

    driver-side motor-only branch after command, power/ground and current testing proves that motor failed Fitment/availability: Infiniti 21486-1BH0A is the driver-side fan motor cataloged for 2009-2013 FX50 Premium/Sport VK50VE. It is not t…

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti complete motor and fan assembly with shroud
    OEMInfiniti 21481-1BH0B

    Confirm VIN and connector; do not order it together with the driver mot

    InfinitiPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipReplace aging upper and lower radiator hoses during major cooling work to avoid repeat labor.
  • TipDo not continue driving if the temperature climbs; the V8 can suffer major engine damage from overheating.
Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

Jeep Wrangler · 2012–2018

Link to this issueError Codes:P0480

The 3.6L Pentastar JK uses a single electric radiator fan driven by a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) duty-cycle signal from the TIPM rather than a simple on/off relay. The integrated fan motor/controller fails, or the PWM signal circuit faults, so the fan won't spin up at speed — causing overheating in traffic and on trails and setting P0480 (Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit). Because the fan is commanded by the TIPM through a 3-wire design, the fault can lie in the fan module, the signal wire, grounds (G102 near the passenger headlight), or the TIPM itself, which makes it tricky to diagnose. Overheating risks head/gasket damage on a Pentastar.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine overheats at idle / low speed / in traffic
  • Temperature climbs while crawling off-road
  • Radiator fan not spinning or not ramping to high speed
  • Check-engine light with P0480
  • A/C performance drops because condenser airflow is lost

How to Fix

Scan for P0480 and confirm whether the fan responds to the PWM command. Check the fan ground at G102 and the brown/light-blue signal wire from the TIPM before condemning parts. Replace the electric cooling-fan module/assembly if the integrated motor/controller is dead; if commands aren't reaching the fan, investigate the TIPM (overlaps the known TIPM-failure issue). Verify coolant level/condition and that the radiator isn't clogged. Test by idling with A/C on and confirming high-speed fan engagement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Dorman 621-601 complete brushless radiator fan and shroud assembly
    OEMDorman 621-601

    Complete fan-module replacement after commanded testing confirms correct power/ground/control but failed fan response Fitment/availability: 2012-2017 Wrangler and 2018 Wrangler JK 3.6L application; crosses Mopar 68143894AA/AB. Confirm ex…

    CarParts.com

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $700
Sources for this issue (2)
  • Diagnosing a 3.6L Pentastar Jeep JK Radiator Fan Issue (Code: P0480) — RealJenius.comarticle
  • P0480 - How to Diagnose 3.6 PWM Fan Issues — JK-Forum.comforum

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

Infiniti M56 · 2011–2013

Link to this issueError Codes:P0480P0483P0217

M56 owners report overheating or rising coolant temperature caused by radiator leakage and/or electric cooling fan control failure. The issue is typically related to age-related plastic tank cracking, fan motor wear, or failure of the integrated fan control assembly, especially in hot climates or stop-and-go driving.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine temperature rising in traffic
  • Coolant smell or visible coolant leak
  • Cooling fans not running properly
  • Overheat warning
  • A/C performance drops at idle

How to Fix

Diagnosis includes pressure-testing the cooling system, checking for seepage at radiator end tanks, and commanding fan operation with a scan tool. Repairs usually involve replacing the radiator and/or fan assembly, refilling with the correct Nissan/Infiniti blue coolant, and bleeding the system; typical cost ranges from about $700 to $1,800 depending on which components fail.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • DENSO 221-9285 radiator
    OEMDENSO 221-9285

    Affiliate-enabled confirmed radiator-leak branch Fitment/availability: DENSO catalogs 221-9285 for the 2011-2013 M56 5.6L. Confirm the listing's vehicle checker, hose and cooler connections before purchase; it does not repair a fan-contr…

    eBay
  • Genuine Infiniti complete radiator fan assembly 21481-1BH0B
    OEM21481-1BH0B

    Confirmed integrated fan/shroud/control-assembly branch Fitment/availability: Select 21481-1BH0B, superseding 21481-1BH0A, for listed 2011-2013 M56 VK56VD. Buy the complete assembly only when testing identifies its motor/control branch; …

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipIf the temperature climbs mainly at idle but drops at speed, inspect fan operation before assuming a thermostat problem.
Typical repair cost:$700 - $1,800
Sources for this issue (1)
  • NHTSA complaints for Infiniti M56 involving overheating/cooling issuesnhtsa

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

Find P0480 by make

Browse every documented model and issue for your make.

Audi · 1 issueChevrolet · 2 issuesDodge · 1 issueGMC · 1 issueInfiniti · 2 issuesJeep · 2 issuesMitsubishi · 1 issueRAM · 1 issueSkoda · 1 issue

P0480 code reference

General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.

Frequently asked questions

What does P0480 mean?

P0480 stands for "Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit." P0480 indicates a fault in the engine control module's circuit that operates cooling fan 1 (or the fan relay it drives). The computer detected an open, short, or out-of-range condition in the fan control output. Because the cooling fan helps prevent the engine from overheating — especially at idle, low speeds, or with the A/C on — a fan that won't run can lead to high coolant temperatures. It is worth addressing fairly promptly to avoid overheating, particularly in hot weather or stop-and-go traffic.

What are the most common causes of P0480?

The most common causes of P0480 are: Faulty cooling fan relay, Failed cooling fan motor, Wiring damage, shorts, or corroded connectors in the fan circuit, Blown fuse or fusible link for the fan, Poor ground for the fan motor or relay, Faulty fan control module (where used), PCM driver circuit fault (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix P0480?

Repair costs for P0480 range from $75 to $1,800, depending on the vehicle and root cause.

Which vehicles are affected by P0480?

Au7o has documented P0480 across 12 vehicle models from 9 manufacturers: Audi, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Infiniti, Jeep, Mitsubishi, RAM, Skoda.

Related codes

  • P0481 · Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
  • P0483 · Cooling Fan Rationality Check Malfunction
  • P0488 · Exhaust Gas Recirculation Throttle Position Control Range/Performance
  • P0489 · Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Control Circuit Low
  • P0020 · Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
  • P0034 · Turbocharger/Supercharger Bypass Valve Control Circuit Low
  • P0035 · Turbocharger/Supercharger Bypass Valve Control Circuit High
  • P003A · Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control 'A' Position Exceeded Learning Limit
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.

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