GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: Electric Cooling Fan Functional Check
Table 2: Electric Cooling Fan Table #1
Table 3: Electric Cooling Fan Table #2
Table 4: Electric Cooling Fan Table #3

Refer to

Cell 20: Engine Cooling Fans


Object Number: 430373  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Engine Cooling Fan Description - Electric
Cell 20: A/C Compressor Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Cell 10: U/H Fuses 7, 46, 14, 13, Relays 41, 43, 44, 35
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
for complete circuit details.

Circuit Description

The cooling fan system in this vehicle provides for two separate modes of operation. These are the low speed fan and the high speed fan operating modes. The low speed mode operates both fans at half speed by using a series circuit configuration. The high speed mode operates both fans at full speed by using a parallel circuit configuration. These two operating modes are accomplished using 3 fan control relays.

This system which uses three relays to control two fan motors appears complicated. To aid in better understanding this system it is suggested to follow the circuits in the schematic as you read the description. This will aid in understanding the two distinct modes of operating the relays and coolant fans.

The low speed fan operation is established when the PCM commands Fan Relay #1 ON by grounding circuit 335 with an internal driver (relays #2 and #3 are left OFF). This closes the relay switch and allows current to flow from the battery, through the switch contacts on circuit 409 to the Left Hand (LH) cooling fan. Current flow continues out of the fan motor on circuit 532 to relay #3. The unenergized relay #3 switch contacts allow current to flow to circuit 504. This provides power to the Right Hand (RH) cooling fan motor. The low side of the RH cooling fan completes the circuit to ground on circuit 250. This circuit is a series circuit which allows half speed operation for each fan since each fan motor will drop half of the supplied battery power.

The high speed operation is established when all three relays are energized. Relays #2 and #3 share the same control circuit to the PCM. This is circuit 473. As in the low speed mode, Relay #1 supplies current flow to the LH cooling fan on circuit 409. Current flow continues through the motor on circuit 532 to relay #3 which is now energized. The switch has now provided a path for current to flow through circuit 250 directly to ground. This circuit now only has the LH fan motor to power and allows it to run at full speed. Relay #2 is also energized and provides current flow on circuit 504 to the RH cooling fan. This fan now has its own dedicated circuit and will operate at full speed. This mode is operating as a parallel circuit.

Diagnostic Aids

Cooling Fan #1 Relay Underhood Electrical Center Terminal Identification

Front of Vehicle

Driver Side of Vehicle

Control

B+

Passenger Side of Vehicle

Load

B+

Cooling Fan #2 Relay Underhood Electrical Center Terminal Identification

Front of Vehicle

Driver Side of Vehicle

Control

B+

Passenger Side of Vehicle

Load

Ignition

    • The following may cause an intermittent:
       - Inspect for poor connections. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
       - Corrosion
       - Mis-routed harness
       - Rubbed through wire insulation
       - Broken wire inside the insulation
    • If the owners concern is overheating, determine if the concern is due to an actual boil over, or the warning indicator light illuminated, or the engine coolant temperature gauge indicated overheating. The gauge accuracy can also be verified by comparing the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor reading using a scan tool and comparing its reading with the gauge reading.
    • Inspect the cooling system if the engine is overheating and the cooling fans are ON. Refer to Engine Overheating in Engine Cooling.
    • The PCM commands the low speed fans ON at 108°C (226°F) and OFF at 103°C (217°F). The PCM commands the high speed fans ON at 113°C (235°F) and OFF at 108°C (219°F).
    • For an intermittent, refer to Symptoms .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. The PCM will enable the engine cooling fans when certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes are set. Go to applicable DTC Table first before proceeding with this table.

  2. Allow engine coolant temperature to cool below 100°C (212°F) before proceeding with diagnosis.

Electric Cooling Fan Functional Check

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

Are any DTCs set?

--

Go to applicable DTC Table

Go to Step 3

3

Important: Engine coolant temperature must be below the specified value for all cooling fan diagnoses.

  1. Idle the engine.
  2. Turn OFF the A/C.
  3. Monitor the A/C Request parameter using the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display the A/C request as YES?

100° C (212° F)

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Request Circuit Diagnosis

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.

Are the cooling fans ON?

--

Go to Cooling Fan table #1

Go to Step 5

5

Command cooling fan relay #1 ON using a scan tool.

Are both cooling fans ON?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Cooling Fan table #2

6

Command cooling fan relays #1, #2 and #3 ON using a scan tool.

Do both cooling fans switch to high speed?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Cooling Fan table #3

7

  1. Using a scan tool, exit outputs.
  2. Idle the engine leaving the A/C OFF.

Are the cooling fans ON?

--

Go to Cooling Fan table #1

Go to Step 8

8

Turn ON the A/C.

Are the cooling fans ON?

--

System OK

Go to Step 9

9

Does the scan tool display A/C request as YES?

--

Go to HVAC System Check or HVAC System Check in HVAC Systems.

Go to Air Conditioning (A/C) Request Circuit Diagnosis

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.

  1. This step determines if the cooling fan relay contacts are stuck closed.

  2. This step determines if there is a short to voltage on circuit 532.

  3. Any test that requires probing a component or a component harness, use the Connector Test Adaptor Kit J 35616 . Using this kit prevents damage to the harness connector terminals. Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters .

  4. This step determines if the cooling fan relay contacts are stuck closed.

Electric Cooling Fan Table #1

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Cooling Fan Functional Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect the cooling fan relay #1.

Are both of the cooling fans OFF?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 3

3

Disconnect the cooling fan relay #3.

Are both of the cooling fans OFF?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the Ignition.
  2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Disconnect the left cooling fan electrical connector.
  4. Probe the cooling fan electrical connector terminal B using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to ground.
  5. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

5

Disconnect the cooling fan relay #2.

Are both of the cooling fans OFF?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

6

Replace the cooling fan relay #1.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

7

Repair circuit 409 for a short to B+. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

8

Repair circuit 532 for a short to B+. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

9

Repair circuit 504 for a short to B+. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

10

Replace the cooling fan relay #2.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

Test Description

  1. This step tests for an open B+ supply circuit.

  2. This step tests for an inoperative cooling fan relay.

  3. This step tests for an open left cooling fan motor. When the left cooling fan terminals are connected, the right cooling fan should operate on high speed.

  4. This step tests for an inoperative cooling fan relay.

Electric Cooling Fan Table #2

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Cooling Fan Functional Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect cooling fan relay #1.
  3. Probe the cooling fan relay B+ terminal (switch side) at the underhood electrical center using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to ground. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for terminal identification.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 11

3

Important: Leave jumper wire in place for remainder of this table.

Jumper the cooling fan relay #1 B+ terminal and load terminals together at the underhood electrical center using a fused jumper wire. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for terminal identification.

Do both fans turn ON?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Disconnect the left cooling fan electrical connector.
  3. Probe the left cooling fan harness connector terminal B using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 13

5

  1. Disconnect the cooling fan relay #3.
  2. Probe the cooling fan relay #3 terminal for circuit 532 at the underhood electrical center using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to B+.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Install the cooling fan relay #3.
  2. Important: Leave the jumper wire in place for remainder of this table.

  3. Connect a fused jumper wire between the left cooling fan electrical connector terminals A and B. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems.

Does the right cooling fan turn ON?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect the cooling fan relay #3.
  2. Probe the cooling fan relay #3 terminal for circuit 532 at the underhood electrical center using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 16

8

Important: Leave the jumper wire in place for remainder of this table.

Connect a fused jumper wire between the cooling fan relay #3 terminals for circuits 532 and 504 at the underhood electrical center. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems.

Does the right cooling fan turn ON?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Disconnect the right cooling fan electrical connector.
  2. Probe the right cooling fan electrical connector terminal B using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 21

10

Probe the right cooling fan electrical connector terminal A using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to B+.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 20

11

Repair the cooling fan relay B+ supply circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

12

Replace the cooling fan relay #1.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

13

Repair circuit 409 for an open. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

14

  1. Inspect for poor connections at the left cooling fan motor. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
  2. If you find a poor connection, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

Go to Step 15

15

Replace the LH fan motor. Refer to Engine Coolant Fan Motor Replacement in Engine Cooling.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

16

Repair the open in circuit 532 between LH cooling fan connector terminal A and relay #3. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

17

Replace the cooling fan relay #3.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

18

  1. Inspect for poor connections at the right cooling fan motor. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
  2. If you find a poor connection, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

Go to Step 19

19

Replace the RH fan motor. Refer to Engine Coolant Fan Motor Replacement in Engine Cooling.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

20

Repair the open ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

21

Repair the open B+ feed circuit to the RH fan motor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

22

Repair the short to ground on the circuit between the left cooling fan motor and relay #3. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for a voltage at the cooling fan relay #3.

  2. This step tests the cooling fan relay #3 control circuit.

  3. This step tests the cooling fan relay #2 control circuit.

Electric Cooling Fan Table #3

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Cooling Fan Functional Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Command the cooling fan relays #1, #2 and #3 ON using the scan tool.

Is the right fan operating at high speed?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 8

3

Is the left fan operating at high speed?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Remove the cooling fan relay #3.
  2. Probe the #3 cooling fan relay B+ supply terminal (coil side) at the underhood electrical center, using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to ground. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for terminal identification.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 11

5

  1. Probe the cooling fan relay #3 control circuit using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to B+.
  2. Command the cooling fan relays #2 and #3 ON using the scan tool.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 13

6

Connect a fused jumper wire between the cooling fan relay #3 terminal for circuit 532 and the terminal for circuit 250. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems.

Does the left cooling fan turn ON?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 7

7

Probe the cooling fan relay #3 terminal for circuit 250 at the underhood electrical center using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to B+.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

8

  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect the cooling fan relay #2.
  3. Probe both of the cooling fan relay #2 B+ supply terminals using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to ground. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for terminal identification.

Does the test lamp illuminate for both terminals?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 11

9

  1. Probe the cooling fan relay #2 control circuit terminal at the underhood electrical center using the test lamp J 35616-200 connected to B+.
  2. Command the cooling fan relays #2 and #3 ON using the scan tool.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 13

10

Connect a fused jumper wire between the cooling fan relay #2 terminals for circuits 1445 and 504 at the underhood electrical center. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems.

Does the right cooling fan turn ON?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 14

11

Repair the cooling fan relay B+ circuit for an open. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

12

Replace the cooling fan relay #2.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

13

Repair the open cooling fan relay control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

14

Repair circuit 504 for an open.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

15

Repair the open ground circuit between the cooling fan relay #3 and the splice. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

16

Replace the cooling fan relay #3.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--

17

  1. Inspect for poor connections at the underhood electrical center. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
  2. Repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Cooling Fan Functional Check

--