GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: Fan Relay Operation Matrix

Circuit Description

To determine if a fault is present perform the Cooling Fan Functional Check. If DTC P1660 is set, or sets during the functional check, it must be diagnosed before proceeding with any of the symptom tables. When the PCM commands low speed fan operation it grounds Cooling Fan Relay 1 which allows current to flow through both cooling fans in a series circuit to ground. If the PCM commands high speed fan operation it grounds all the cooling fan relays, including Fan Relay 1, which changes the circuit to a parallel circuit to ground. If a fault occurs certain symptoms will occur due to the series/parallel circuit design.

The PCM will command fan operation when:

    •  Low Speed Fan Operation
       -  Engine coolant temperature exceeds approximately 106°C (229°F).
       -  Transmission fluid temperature exceeds 150°C (302°F).
       -  A/C operation is requested.
       -  After the vehicle is shut OFF if the coolant temperature at key-off is more than 151°C (304°F) and system voltage was more than 12 volts. The fans will stay ON for approximately 3 minutes.

The fans will switch from low to OFF when the coolant drops below 102°C (216°F).

    •  High Speed Fan Operation
       -  Engine coolant temperature reaches 112°C (234°F).
       -  Transmission temperature is more than 151°C (304°F).
       -  When certain DTCs set.

The fans will switch from high to low (except DTCs set) when the coolant drops below 106°C (229°F).

Diagnostic Aids

    •  If the cooling fans operate when commanded OFF and DTC P1660 is not set either a cooling fan relay is stuck ON or a cooling fan circuit is shorted to power.
    •  Whenever a repair is completed repeat the Cooling Fan Functional Check. This will help diagnose possible multiple failures, for example: two water contaminated relays.

Fan Relay Operation Matrix

Operational Mode

OFF

LOW FANS

HIGH FANS

Low Speed Cooling Fan Relay (#1)

De-Energized

Energized

Energized

Series/ Parallel Cooling Fan Relay (#2)

De-Energized

De-Energized

Energized

High Speed Cooling Fan (#3)

De-Energized

De-Energized

Energized

*The Series/Parallel Cooling Fan Relay is a dual position switch and while de-energized, supplies a ground path for the low speed fan circuit.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Functional Table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check must be performed first so that mis-diagnosis is avoided, due to the PCM commanding the fans ON due to a DTC set, etc.

  2. Checking to see if there is a fault on the cooling fan relay control circuits.

  3. Checking to see if any A/C DTCs will set. If A/C DTCs set they must be diagnosed before proceeding with the Cooling Fan Functional Check.

  4. Commanding fans ON in sequence to determine the symptom (fault-if any) present.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Ensure the engine coolant temperature is between the values specified.
  2. Turn HVAC controls to OFF.
  3. Start and idle the engine.
  4. Using the scan tool select Output Tests and while viewing the Driver 1 display, command All Relays OFF for approximately 15 seconds.
  5. Using the scan tool select Output Tests and while viewing the Driver 1 display, command All Relays ON for approximately 15 seconds.

Did the Driver 1 display ever indicate a FAULT?

5°C - 100°C (41°F - 212°F)

Go to DTC P1660 Cooling Fan Control Circuits

Go to Step 3

3

With the engine idling turn A/C ON to maximum cooling.

Have any other DTC(s) failed this ignition?

--

Go to DTC(s) that are set

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn the key to OFF.
  2. Disconnect PCM connector C2.
  3. Using a test lamp connected to a known good ground probe PCM connector C2 terminals 32 and 33.

Does the test lamp illuminate on both terminals?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 14

5

  1. Reconnect PCM connector C2 (if still disconnected).
  2. Turn the key ON while leaving the engine OFF.
  3. Ensure engine coolant temperature is below the value specified.
  4. Observe fan operation while individually commanding Fan Relay 1 ON, then All Relays ON, then All Relays OFF.
  5. • With Fan Relay 1 commanded ON both fans should operate at low speed.
    • With All Relays commanded ON both fans should operate at high speed.
    • With All Relays commanded OFF both fans should not operate (unless the PCM detects a fault or high temperature condition).

Do both cooling fans operate as commanded?

100°C (212°F)

System OK

Go to Step 6

6

Does only Cooling Fan #1 (left) operate with Fan Relay 1 commanded ON then both fans operate when All Relays are commanded ON?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Repair CKT 504 shorted to ground.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 5

--

8

Does neither cooling fan operate with Fan Relay 1 commanded ON then only Cooling Fan #2 (right) operate with All Relays commanded ON?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Symptom Table 1

Go to Step 9

9

Does neither cooling fan operate with Fan Relay 1 commanded ON then only Cooling Fan #1 (left) operate with All Relays commanded ON?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Symptom Table 2

Go to Step 9

10

Do both cooling fans operate with Fan Relay 1 commanded ON then only Cooling Fan #2 (right) operate with All Relays commanded ON?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Symptom Table 3

Go to Step 11

11

Do both cooling fans operate with Fan Relay 1 commanded ON then only Cooling Fan #1 (left) operate with All Relays commanded ON?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Symptom Table 4

Go to Step 12

12

Does neither cooling fan operate when Fan Relay 1 is commanded ON and also when All Relays are commanded ON?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Symptom Table 5

Go to Step 13

13

Does either cooling fan operate when All Relays is commanded OFF?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

14

Repair the cause of no voltage. Possible cause include the following:

    • A blown relay supply fuse
    • An open fan relay
    • An open cooling fan relay control circuit

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 5

--

Cooling Fan Symptom Table 1

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: No low speed operation of either cooling fan. High speed operation of right cooling fan only. DTC P1660 is not set.

1

Was the Cooling Fan Functional Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

2

  1. Disconnect Cooling Fan #1 connector.
  2. Using the scan tool select Output Tests then Fan Relays.
  3. With the key ON command Relay 1 ON.
  4. Using DMM J 39200 measure the voltage to ground at Cooling Fan #1 connector terminal B (harness side).

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 6

3

Jumper Cooling Fan #1 connector terminals A and B together.

Does Cooling Fan #2 operate while jumpered?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

  1. With Cooling Fan #1 connector still jumpered, remove Relay #2.
  2. Measure the voltage to ground at Relay #2 terminal 30.

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

Jumper Relay #2 terminals 30 and 87A together.

Does Cooling Fan #2 operate while jumpered?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

6

  1. Exit Fan Relays.
  2. Remove Relay #1.
  3. Measure the voltage to ground at Relay #1 terminal 30.

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 12

7

  1. Jumper Fan Relay #1 terminals 30 and 87 together.
  2. Measure the voltage to ground at Cooling Fan #1 connector terminal B.

Is the voltage to ground the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

8

Replace Cooling Fan #1 (left).

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

9

Repair the open in CKT 504 between Cooling Fan #1 and Fan Relay #2.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

10

Replace Fan Relay #2.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

11

Repair the open in CKT 409 between Fan Relay #2 and the CKT 409 splice.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

12

Repair the open in the circuit between Fan Relay #1 terminal 30 and the Maxi fuse.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

13

Replace Fan Relay #1.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

14

Repair the open in CKT 532 between Fan Relay #1 and Cooling Fan #1.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

Cooling Fan Symptom Table 2

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: No low speed operation of either cooling fan. High speed operation of left cooling fan only. DTC P1660 is not set.

1

Was the Cooling Fan Functional Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

2

  1. Disconnect Cooling Fan #2 (right) connector.
  2. Using the scan tool select Output Tests than Fan Relays.
  3. With the key ON, command Fan Relay 1 ON.
  4. Jumper Cooling Fan #2 (right) terminals A and B together.

Does Cooling Fan #1 (left) operate while jumpered?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. With Fan Relay 1 still commanded ON remove Fan Relay #2.
  2. Jumper Fan Relay #2 terminals 30 and 87A together.

Does left cooling fan operate while jumpered?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

With Fan Relay #2 still jumpered use DMM J 39200 and measure the voltage to ground at Cooling Fan #2 connector terminal B (harness side).

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

5

Replace Cooling Fan #2 (right).

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

6

Replace Fan Relay #2.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

7

Repair the open in the BLK circuit between Cooling Fan #2 (right) terminal A and the splice.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

8

Repair the open in CKT 409 between Cooling Fan #2 (right) the CKT 409 splice and Fan Relay #2.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

Cooling Fan Symptom Table 3

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Low speed operation of both fans. High speed operation of right cooling fan only. DTC P1660 not set.

1

Was the Cooling Fan Functional Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

2

  1. Using the scan tool select Output Tests and then Fan Relays.
  2. With the key ON select All Relays ON.
  3. Remove Fan Relay #2.
  4. Using DMM J 39200 measure the voltage to ground at Fan Relay #2 terminal 85.

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Remove Fan Relay #3.
  2. Measure the resistance between Fan Relay #2 terminal 86 and Fan Relay #3 terminal 86.

Is the resistance the same or less than the value specified?

5 ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Reconnect Fan Relay #3.
  2. With All Relays still commanded ON, jumper Fan Relay #2 terminals 30 and 87 together.

Do both cooling fans operate while jumpered?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

5

Repair the open in the ORG circuit between Fan Relay #2 terminal 85 and the splice.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

6

Repair the open in CKT 473 between Fan Relay #2 terminal 86 and the CKT 473 splice.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

7

Repair the open in the BLK circuit between Fan Relay #2 terminal 87 and the splice.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

8

Replace Fan Relay #2.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

Cooling Fan Symptom Table 4

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Low speed operation of both fans. High speed operation of left cooling fan only. DTC P1660 not set.

1

Was the Cooling Fan Functional Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

2

  1. Using scan tool select Output Tests then All Relays.
  2. With the key ON command All Relays ON.
  3. Remove Fan Relay #3.
  4. Using DMM J 39200 measure the voltage to ground at Fan Relay #3 terminal 85.

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 7

3

Measure the voltage to ground at Fan Relay #3 terminal 30.

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Remove Fan Relay #2.
  2. Measure the resistance between Fan Relay #3 terminal 86 and Fan Relay #2 terminal 86.

Is the resistance the same or less than the value specified?

5 ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

  1. Reconnect Fan Relay #2.
  2. With All Relays still commanded ON, jumper Fan Relay #3 terminals 30 and 87 together.

Does Cooling Fan #2 (right) operate while jumpered?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

6

Repair the open in the RED circuit between Fan Relay #3 terminal 30 and the Maxi fuse.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

7

Repair the open in the ORG circuit between Fan Relay #3 terminal 85 and the splice.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

8

Repair the open in CKT 473 between Fan Relay #3 terminal 86 and the CKT 473 splice.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

9

Repair the open in CKT 409 between Fan Relay #3 terminal 87 and the CKT 409 splice.

Is the repair complete

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

10

Replace Fan Relay #3.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

Cooling Fan Symptom Table 5

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: No fan operation on either high or low speed. DTC P1660 not set.

1

Was the Cooling Fan Functional Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

2

Check the condition of the cooling fan Maxi fuse.

Is the fuse blown?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Remove Fan Relay #1.
  2. Using DMM J 39200 measure the voltage to ground at Fan Relay #1 terminal 30.

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10.0 volts

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

4

  1. Turn the key to LOCK.
  2. Replace the Maxi fuse.

Does the fuse immediately blow?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn the key ON.
  2. Using the scan tool select Output Tests and then Fan Relays.
  3. Command Fan Relay 1 ON.

Does the Maxi fuse blow?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6

Command All Relays ON.

Does the Maxi fuse blow?

--

Go to Step 7

Fault not present

7

  1. Exit Fan Relays.
  2. Replace the Maxi fuse.
  3. Select Fan Relays and command Fan Relay 1 ON.

Is only Cooling Fan #1 (left) operating?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

8

Repair the open in the BLK circuit between both BLK circuit splices or between the BLK circuit splice and ground or the poor/open ground connection.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

9

Repair the open in the RED circuit between the Maxi fuse and both relays.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

10

Repair the short to ground in the RED circuit between the Maxi fuse and either Fan Relay 1 or Fan Relay 3.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

11

Repair the short to ground in CKT 532 between Fan Relay 1 and Cooling Fan #1 (left).

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

12

Replace Cooling Fan #2 (right).

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

13

Replace Cooling Fan #1 (left).

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--