P0480

Fan 1 Control Circuit

Car Fault Codes Cooling & lubrication

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? Needs a workshop

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 50 to 1,500

What it means

The engine computer has detected an electrical fault in the circuit it uses to run cooling fan 1, usually the fan relay circuit or a fan control module. If the fan does not run, engine temperature can rise quickly at idle and in traffic, especially with the A/C on in hot weather.

Symptoms4

Temperature gauge rising at idle or in traffic.
Weak A/C cooling when stopped.
Fan running constantly on some vehicles as a failsafe.
Check engine light on.

Possible causes6

Failed fan relay.
Blown fuse for the fan or relay.
Wiring or connector near the radiator damaged by heat.
Failed or seized fan motor drawing excessive current and damaging the relay or fuse.
Faulty fan control module on vehicles that have one.
Faulty driver circuit inside the engine computer (rare).

How to diagnose5

Command fan 1 with a scan tool and confirm it spins.
Check the fuse and swap the relay with an identical known-good one if available.
Confirm the control signal from the computer reaches the relay or control module.
Measure voltage at the fan connector while commanded; if voltage is present but the fan does not spin, the motor has failed.
Inspect the wiring and connector near the radiator for melting or corrosion.

How to fix5

Replace the blown fuse or faulty relay.
Repair heat-damaged wiring or the connector.
Replace the fan motor if it has failed or draws excessive current.
Replace the fan control module if it is proven faulty.
Clear the codes and confirm the fan runs when the engine is hot or the A/C is on.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is small when a relay or fuse is to blame, and rises when the fan motor or fan control module must be replaced.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with this code?

With care, and watch the temperature gauge at all times. Highway driving is safer because airflow cools the radiator, but traffic and long idling can raise the temperature quickly. If the gauge climbs, stop and switch off the engine.

Why does the fan run all the time despite the code?

Some vehicles run the fan constantly when they detect a fault in its circuit to protect the engine from overheating. It does not mean the problem is fixed.

Which fan is fan 1?

It is the fan the computer labels as number 1. Its location and role vary between vehicles, so check the service information to identify it.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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