Can you help me with a trouble code

The clutch fan would engage and my engine would roar. I took the car to my mechanic and he said it was code P1480 so we replaced the sensor necessary. It has been less than a year and it is happening again. Someone told me the sensor had to be programmed to my vehicle. I went to the dealer and was told by the parts department that was not true but a mechanic there told me it is true, they call it flashing. The service writer said I should just bring it in and replace the clutch fan (to the tune of $1200.00)of course. My mechanic says he has never heard of flashing. Can you shed some light please?