Ford Transit Connect P0480: Meanings, Causes & Diagnosis

OBDII code P0480 is quite common.  It indicates that your Ford Transit Connect’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 Ford Transit Connect's definition of "P0480", broken down into two parts. 

1. Cooling fan

Electric cooling fans are now standard equipment in modern vehicles.  The PCM (powertrain controller module) activates them whenever Transit Connect 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.

Transit Connect Symptoms P0480

Transit Connect shouldn't drive differently with P0480.  The fan won't affect how the engine operates (until you overheat).  The engine might start to knock, misfire, or smoke if you heat it too much.

As stated above, driving your Transit Connect without a functioning fan can cause it to overheat, particularly if you are driving on a hot day or you’re in heavy traffic.  This can cause your air conditioner not to work properly.

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

Ford Transit Connect P0480 Causes and Diagnosis

Below are possible causes of P0480.  There are many possible causes for this code.  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 P0480 code in Transit Connect if it is related to your engine coolant sensor.

2. Check Cooling Fan 1

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 Ford Transit Connect fans. NOT directly in front of your air conditioner Most people are a fan of 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.  When the engine heats up, fans can switch on by themselves.

If the fan requires effort to spin, then it’s bad.  Transit Connect should have P0480 fixed by replacing the fan.  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, ripping up the harness and damaging the wires.  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.  Check that all pins have been checked for corrosion.

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 Transit Connect’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.  You can verify that the fan relay is powered on.

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. Additional P0480-related Causes

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

• VSS (vehicle Speed Sensor)
• Refuse to Intake Air Temp Sensor
• The A/C Pressure Switch

Conclusion

The most common cause of P0480 is a bad fan/a bad relay.  Have fun fixing Ford Transit Connect.