P1473: Fan Secondary High With Fan(s) Off

Definition

The OBD2 code P1473 indicates that the secondary fan is operating at a high speed while the fan(s) are supposed to be off, suggesting a potential issue with the fan control system or a malfunctioning fan

Common causes

Faulty secondary fan
Short circuit in the fan wiring
Open circuit in the fan wiring
Faulty fan relay
Faulty engine control module (ECM)
Poor electrical connections
Faulty temperature sensor
Incorrectly configured or damaged cooling system components

Common misdiagnoses

Faulty cooling fan relay
Bad temperature sensor
Wiring issues or shorts
Faulty engine control module (ECM)
Incorrectly installed or defective cooling fan
Air conditioning system issues
Faulty thermostat
Low coolant levels or leaks

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check for Additional Codes

Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any other trouble codes that may be present. This can provide more context for the issue
2. Inspect the Cooling Fan
3. Visually inspect the secondary cooling fan for any physical damage or obstructions
4. Ensure that the fan spins freely and is not blocked by debris
5. Test the Fan Operation
6. Manually activate the fan using a scan tool or by applying power directly to the fan connector to see if it operates correctly
7. If the fan runs continuously or does not operate at all, it may need to be replaced
8. Check the Wiring and Connectors
9. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors leading to the fan for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections
10. Repair or replace any damaged wiring or connectors
11. Examine the Fan Relay
12. Locate the fan relay and test it for proper operation. You can swap it with a similar relay in the fuse box to see if the problem persists
13. If the relay is faulty, replace it
14. Check the Cooling Fan Control Module
15. If your vehicle is equipped with a cooling fan control module, it may be malfunctioning. Test the module according to the manufacturer’s specifications
16. If necessary, replace the control module
17. Inspect the Temperature Sensor
18. The engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) may be providing incorrect readings, causing the fan to operate improperly. Test the sensor for proper resistance and operation
19. Replace the sensor if it is faulty
20. Check for Short Circuits
21. Use a multimeter to check for short circuits in the wiring that could cause the fan to receive power when it shouldn’t
22. Review the Vehicle’s Cooling System
23. Ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly, including checking coolant levels and the condition of the radiator
24. Clear Codes and Test Drive
25. After performing repairs, clear the trouble codes and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns. If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be advisable to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair

Definition

Common causes

Common misdiagnoses

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check for Additional Codes

2. Inspect the Cooling Fan

3. Visually inspect the secondary cooling fan for any physical damage or obstructions

4. Ensure that the fan spins freely and is not blocked by debris

5. Test the Fan Operation

6. Manually activate the fan using a scan tool or by applying power directly to the fan connector to see if it operates correctly

7. If the fan runs continuously or does not operate at all, it may need to be replaced

8. Check the Wiring and Connectors

9. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors leading to the fan for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections

10. Repair or replace any damaged wiring or connectors

11. Examine the Fan Relay

12. Locate the fan relay and test it for proper operation. You can swap it with a similar relay in the fuse box to see if the problem persists

13. If the relay is faulty, replace it

14. Check the Cooling Fan Control Module

15. If your vehicle is equipped with a cooling fan control module, it may be malfunctioning. Test the module according to the manufacturer’s specifications

16. If necessary, replace the control module

17. Inspect the Temperature Sensor

18. The engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) may be providing incorrect readings, causing the fan to operate improperly. Test the sensor for proper resistance and operation

19. Replace the sensor if it is faulty

20. Check for Short Circuits

21. Use a multimeter to check for short circuits in the wiring that could cause the fan to receive power when it shouldn’t

22. Review the Vehicle’s Cooling System

23. Ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly, including checking coolant levels and the condition of the radiator

24. Clear Codes and Test Drive

25. After performing repairs, clear the trouble codes and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns. If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be advisable to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair