2002 firebird - getting the p0480 code and I cant seem to fix it.
P0480 = Cooling Fan Relay 1 Control Circuit

my temp never goes above the 210* mark on gauge (assuming I am at 190*)
Car NEVER over heats while driving or idling
Fans never come on (even after letting it idle for 45 minutes in driveway

what I have done so far to trouble shoot and fix:
replaced relays in fuse box under hood
verified 12 volts to the relay sockets

for more info - please see: http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums...s-light-p0480/

my reason for posting here as well is to get more eyes on the subject not to start a pi$$ing match between forums.

what can I do next? I plan on turning AC on to see if that engages the fans.

should I replace the coolant temp sensor?

 

wow - i guess i stumped everyone
turning on the AC engages the fans, so the fans work.
i guess I can swap out the temp sensor

other than that - any other ideas? I guess pay $84/hour to have someone trace out the wiring

 

I get the same issue when hitting 50+mph. My car sticks at 180 degrees too

 

with some help from the other forum, it appears my problem is intermittent. if the fans come on with the AC turned on, then that means the fans work, and that relay #1 works.

So, it has been recommended to make sure my socket seats for the relays are clean, tight and make sure the wiring underneath the fuse panel are clean and tight as well.

i'll investigate and post my results this weekend.

 

bleepster, it sounds like your fans aren't coming on for LOW speed. The AC calls for the fans to come on in high speed.

delrio, the fans are powered off when at at highway speed.

 

I'd help if I could but the DTC codes in my 96 service manual go from 443 to 500.

Sorry.

 

Paul - I understand that the AC powers the fans on "HIGH", but the power is also going through "relay #1" doesn't this prove my relay and wiring is fine?

could the fans themselves be the issue? can I use a jumper wire on relay #1 to verify a low speed operation on the fans?

PS - thanks for the email BTW.

 

How are you measuring the temperature? based off the dash gauge alone? I did not realize my car was running 230s as my dash gauge was reading 210, but just had the car tuned and the tuner realized, I believe the dash gauge is a dummy gauge and will only show increased temp if its above 240.

I never had any overheating issues while driving, but after some investigating, apparently I needed a larger radiator, had a custom one made and now my temps are in the low 200's consistently when it was 95F outside.

 

using the dash gauge is how i am measuring.

 

Here's the full description of the P0480 code:

http://engine-codes.com/P0480_chevrolet.html

The guide I sent you should walk you through the tests to find what the problem is.