Code P0481, cooling fans

Tiny
JOSUE RODRIGUEZ2
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET UPLANDER
  • 2.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
I have a p0481 code on my vehicle and have re­set it and it keeps com­ing back. I check the re­lays, wiring, and fans and they all work as they should. The motor was change about 2 months ago. I heard that there needs to be refrigerant in the compressor for the cooling fans to run but I don't know if that's true. I also don't think it's the temperature sensor because it works on the dashboard. Any help would be appreciated.
Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 10:17 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This is not true. The compressor will not run if the system is empty but the PCM will still command the fans on if it needs it.

We need to run through the testing for this code that I attached below. More then likely you have a wiring issue or a relay issue but if you checked the relay then that would leave wiring.

Let me know if you have questions with this testing and we can work through it.

Thanks
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
JOSUE RODRIGUEZ2
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
It was the PCM.
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Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 12:46 PM

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