Dodge Durango P0480: Definitions, Causes and Diagnosis

OBDII Trouble Code P0480 is quite common.  It indicates that your Dodge Durango’s “cooling fan 1 control circuit” is malfunctioning.  It’s a generic code, so it has the same meaning for any vehicle made for the 1996 model year and up.

P0480 Definition:  Cooling Fan 1 – Control Circuit Malfunction

This is the Dodge Durango definition of P0480, divided into two parts. 

Cooling Fan 1.

Electric cooling fans are now standard equipment in modern vehicles.  The PCM (powertrain controller module) activates them whenever the Durango is at a specific temperature.  They will turn on either one or both when your air conditioner runs.

Control Circuit Malfunction

If the PCM has commanded cooling fan 1 to turn on, but there is an error, P0480 will be stored in the PCM’s memory.  This occurs if either the fan doesn’t respond or the PCM detects a serious fault in the control circuit.

Dodge Durango Symptoms P0480

The Durango's performance should be the same with P0480.  The engine's performance will not be affected by the fan (unless the temperature is too high).  The engine might start smoking, knocking or misfiring if you heat it too much.

As stated above, driving your Durango without a functioning fan can cause it to overheat, particularly if you are driving on a hot day or you’re in heavy traffic.  The air conditioner may also stop working properly.

You’ll want to keep an eye on the temperature gauge and fix P0480 as soon as possible.  If you overheat, the head gasket may burst and require expensive repairs.

Dodge Durango P0480 Symptoms + Diagnosis

These are some possible causes for P0480.  This code can have many causes.  These are in an order that allows you to verify their inclusion.  

1. Look for other codes

You can gain invaluable insight by cross-referencing codes.  You might be able to clear the code P0480 if it is related to your Durango's engine temperature sensor.

2. 1. Check out Cooling Fans

The battery should be disconnected.  You don’t want the fan spinning up (which could happen if you try and spin it and the vehicle is hot).

There are two Dodge Durangos. The Dodge Durango with the most fans is your Dodge Durango. Do not place your hand in front of an air conditioner Is nearly always fan 1.

You’re going to spin the fan to see if it’s locked up or otherwise bad.  Before you spin the fan make sure it is cold and unplugged.  If the engine gets too hot, fans will turn on automatically.

If the fan requires effort to spin, then it’s bad.  It should be replaced to fix the P0480 problem in Durango.  Check the codes to see if it returns.

3. Examine the wiring harness at the fan

Check the wire harness connecting to the fan to make sure it is turning ok.  The road debris can cause damage to fan wiring by kicking it under your vehicle, tearing apart the harness.  If you live in an area that is chipmunk friendly, don’t be surprised if they chewed the wiring.  I’ve seen this a few times.

Verify that all terminals have been securely plugged into the fan.  Make sure that pins don't corrode and are straight.

4. Examine the Fuses and Fan Relay

Now that we have verified that nothing obvious is causing P0480, it’s time to take a look under your Durango’s hood at the fan relay.  Before you do, inspect the fan relay fuses to make sure that they haven’t been blown.  Visually, you can check this.  Check that power is flowing to the fan relay.

Now it’s time to take a look at fan relay 1 itself.  Check out the video below, it’ll show you how to test the fan relay with a multimeter.  If there’s no power going to the relay, you’ll need to find where the short is.

5. Others P0480 Reasons

Here are some other common causes of P0480, although they aren’t as common as the ones listed above:

• VSS = Vehicle Speed Sensor
• Failed Intake Air Temp Sensor
• The A/C Pressure Switch

Conclusion

A bad fan, or relay of a fan can cause P0480.  Have fun fixing your Dodge Durango