P0482: The control circuit for the third cooling fan has a fault
Cooling fan 3 control circuit malfunction
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
The sources we read define the code but do not rate how urgent it is. A cooling fan fault can let the engine run hot, so treat it with caution until checked.
P0482 in short
P0482 means the computer found a fault in the control circuit for cooling fan 3. TroubleCodes.net lists wiring, the fan motor and the engine computer as the likely causes. Its severity is not verified here, so if the temperature gauge climbs, stop driving and let the engine cool.
Many cars use more than one electric cooling fan, and the engine computer switches each one on and off. P0482 is the code for the third fan's control circuit, so the computer commanded the fan and the circuit did not behave as expected.
TroubleCodes.net names wiring, the fan motor itself and the engine computer as the possible causes, and it says it has not published a detailed guide for this code. Delaware's older generic list gives the same meaning, cooling fan 3 control circuit malfunction.
Which fan counts as number 3 differs by vehicle, so a model-specific wiring diagram is needed to find it. Several Ram ProMaster owners reported this code to NHTSA, but we did not find a source tying it to a specific cause.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Fan 3 wiring or connector fault
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists wiring first among the likely causes of this circuit code.
- What would change this
- Rises if the fan connector is damaged or voltage is missing at the fan with the fan commanded on. Falls if power and ground reach the fan.
Cause 2: Failed cooling fan motor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists the fan motor as a probable cause.
- What would change this
- Rises if the fan gets power and ground and does not turn. Falls if it spins freely when powered directly.
Cause 3: Engine computer driver fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists the engine computer, but a computer fault should only be suspected after wiring and the fan are cleared.
- What would change this
- Rises if the wiring and fan test good and the command signal is missing. Falls if a wiring fault is found.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all stored codes and check whether fan 1 or fan 2 codes (P0480, P0481) are stored with P0482.
IfP0480 or P0481 are also stored
It meansA shared power, ground or relay fault may be affecting several fans.
IfOnly P0482 is stored
It meansFocus on the third fan and its circuit.
Step 2: Have the fan commanded on with a bidirectional scan tool and watch whether fan 3 runs, and check its connector for damage.
Warning:Cooling fans can start without warning and can injure fingers; keep hands and tools clear of the blades, and never run the engine hot with a fan inoperative.
IfThe fan does not run and power and ground are present at the fan
It meansThe fan motor is the likely fault.
IfPower or ground is missing at the fan connector
It meansTrace the wiring back toward the computer.
IfThe command signal is missing and the wiring is good
It meansThe computer driver is suspect.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Engine temperature gauge running higher than normal in traffic Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
On your vehicle
We don't have reviewed vehicle-specific evidence for P0482 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
Sources and review
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error