P0480 OBD-II code — what it means and what to check

ℹ Guidance only — not a substitute for inspection

Enter the trouble codes from your scanner to see what each one means, how urgent it is, and which checks to do first.

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Your trouble codes

Enter the codes exactly as your scanner shows them. Separate several codes with spaces or commas.

A letter followed by four characters, for example P0301. Up to ten codes at a time.
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Your codes, interpreted

What this means
⚠ Have this looked at now. At least one code you entered should not be left until the next service.
What to doArrange a workshop inspection now, and keep journeys short and local until then.

Your codes

  1. P0480 — Engine cooling (service now). The engine computer sees a fault in the circuit that controls the cooling fan. The fan may still run — this reports the control circuit, not the fan itself.

Checks to do first, in order

  1. Check whether the fan actually runs when the engine is hot or the air conditioning is on. Whether it does changes how urgent this is.
  2. Check the fan fuse and relay, and inspect the relay socket for burnt or pitted terminals.
  3. Inspect the wiring and connector at the fan motor.
  4. Have the fan motor tested for current draw if the relay and wiring are sound.

Codes this tool cannot interpret

How this result was reached
  • Interpretations cover standardised codes only, and describe what a code means rather than what is wrong with your specific vehicle.
  • A stored code identifies the circuit or system reporting a fault. It does not identify the failed part — a sensor commonly reports a problem it did not cause.
  • Reviewed by Project Owner on 2026-08-26.
  • This tool covers a reviewed subset of standardised codes. A code it does not recognise is reported as undocumented rather than guessed at.