Fault code P0481 on fiat chassis (1 Viewer)

[Grahmes]

hi all, we have an yellow engine management light on the dash.
The fiat garage have told me it is code P0481 for cooling fans 2-open circuit.

Does anybody have an idea what this is about before it potentially costs a fortune. It came on whilst in France and have completed 2000 miles since- does not appear to cause any issues.

Thanks in advance

 

[Larby]

Plug loose or come off?

 

[Grahmes]

I have tried looking - nothing obviously loose

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[Newfie]

https://www.obd-codes.com/p0481

 

[gus-lopez]

Your radiator fan isn't working for one reason or another as @Newfie has linked to.

 

[Badknee]

You should be fine in the cooler weather but may get increased engine temp if stood for any length in traffic or climbing a lot.
Get it looked at asap but imo not a very major problem if you keep an eye on temp gauge.

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[Grahmes]

Thanks guys - still looking

 

[Xabia]

Join the club! My EML light comes on when I climb the Pyrenees or switch the air con on. Diagnostics reports that the second fan is not coming on when it is, you can hear it kick in when stationary and it certainly works when mountain climbing as the temperature never goes up very much. As I had found two,points where the loom to the ECU was rubbing on metal points I insulated those areas and hoped it would cure the problem - it didn't.

I now carry an OBD reader with me and delete the fault code until the next time.

 

[Newfie]

Hi @Grahmes
Did you get it fixed if so what was the problem

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[jockaneezer]

As a stop gap if your temperature gauge starts to rise, put your heater to hot and the fan on full power, used to have to do it on long inclines when tugging.

 

[Xabia]

Hi @Grahmes
Did you get it fixed if so what was the problem

ignore my post, replied in error.

 

[Grahmes]

No it is not fixed yet; we have been away - not yet caused any problems with engine temperature over the last 700 miles his week.
Will be going to the garage in the next month. Not going too far in the next month, so should be able to get it sorted

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[Xabia]

Did you find the cause and get it fixed?

 

[mexican pete]

Snap. Climbing up the motorway from Perpignan into Spain my engine management light came on. Took it to a Fiat dealer who diagnosed that the second cooling fan was not switching on. He short circuited the 2nd fan and lo and behold it worked . He downloaded new software but still no joy. He reluctantly gave up as he said the ECU needed replacing. He did reset the dash light. Stayed off until I got caught in a massive traffic jam on the A1M. Luckily my mate has a diagnostic box so was able to reset it again. I'm going to wire the 2nd fan in parallel with fan 1 so hopefully no more overheating.

 

[Grahmes]

No, not fixed yet- booked in for 10thJanuary - it's staying there until sorted.
Nothing seems loose and is beyond me.
Will update when fixed. Happy new year all

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[LOOSE WHEEL]

Wireing second fan off first is a good idea but never wire one direct of ignition systems as there only designed to run in 20-30 second bursts.
If you run them permanently the bearing collapses.
Saying that thay do last a few hours, when needs must.

Andy

 

[Xabia]

No, not fixed yet- booked in for 10thJanuary - it's staying there until sorted.
Nothing seems loose and is beyond me.
Will update when fixed. Happy new year all

As a matter of interest does your EML illuminate when you switch your air con on. Mine will do that if I turn the a/c on when stationary after a few seconds. Strange thing is that although the Fiat diagnostics say the fan isn't working it is.

 

[Grahmes]

One fan works with AC.
The EML light is permanently lit.

Even in southern France last year- the engine temperature never went up.
Just need to know what is going on!

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[Grahmes]

The management light is sorted, it needed a new throttle body-there was another error code as well as the first.
The cooling fan code was on because of the newer code was confusing other electrics.

I'm confused- let alone the vans electrics!