What does it mean?
P1481 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Cooling Fans Circuit Short to Ground or Open Circuit .
Symptoms
- MIL on
- Cooling fans do not run at all, or run continuously whenever the key is on
- Coolant temperature climbs in stop and go traffic
- A/C performance drops sharply at idle
- Battery goes flat overnight if a fan keeps running with the engine off
Likely causes
- Fan control wire open or shorted to ground between the module and the relay
- Fan relay coil failed, either open or internally shorted
- Harness chafed at the fan shroud or radiator support
- Corroded connector at the fan motor, exposed to road spray and salt
- Seized fan motor that has damaged its own circuit
- Poor ground connection for the fan assembly
- Module output driver failure
How to fix it
- Command each fan speed with a scan tool and note exactly what does and does not run
- Inspect the harness at the shroud and radiator support for chafing and pinch points
- Remove the relay and test the control wire for a short to ground and for continuity to the module
- Measure fan relay coil resistance and compare with specification
- Check fan motor current draw and the integrity of its ground connection
- Repair the wiring or replace the relay or fan motor as required
- Recheck fan operation across the full temperature range and with the A/C on