Cooling fan not working Toyota Corolla E170

Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Error Codes

2-3 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

Error Code: P0480, P0481

3 min read

592 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix the cooling fan issue on a Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019) with detailed steps and required tools.

Error Code

P0480, P0481

Affected Component

cooling fan

Estimated Time

2-3 hours

Symptoms

•Engine overheating
•Air conditioning performance is poor, especially at low speeds or idle
•Cooling fan does not activate when the engine is hot

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the Cooling Fan for physical damage or obstructions.
2
Check the cooling fan fuse using a test light.
3
Inspect wiring and connections for damage or corrosion.
4
Connect an OBD-II Scanner to check for trouble codes.
5
Locate and test the cooling fan relay.
6
Perform a direct power test on the fan motor.
7
Check the resistance of the fan motor windings.
8
Locate and test the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Digital Multimeter (DMM)
•OBD-II scanner
•Test light
•Relay puller
•Wiring diagram for the cooling fan circuit

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the Cooling Fan for physical damage or obstructions.
2
Check the cooling fan fuse using a test light.
3
Inspect wiring and connections for damage or corrosion.
4
Connect an OBD-II Scanner to check for trouble codes.
5
Locate and test the cooling fan relay.
6
Perform a direct power test on the fan motor.
7
Check the resistance of the fan motor windings.
8
Locate and test the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor.

Solution

Cooling Fan Not Working on Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Tools Required:

Digital Multimeter (DMM)
OBD-II scanner
Test light
Relay puller
Wiring diagram for the cooling fan circuit

Step 1: Visual Inspection

Inspect the Cooling Fan: Check for physical damage or obstructions around the cooling fan. Ensure that the fan blades are intact and can spin freely.
Check the Fuse: Locate the cooling fan fuse in the fuse box under the hood. Refer to the fuse box cover for the exact location. Use a test light to verify that the fuse is not blown.
Inspect Wiring and Connections: Check for any damaged wires, loose connections, or corrosion on the cooling fan connectors and relay socket.

Step 2: Check for Trouble Codes

Connect an OBD-II Scanner: Plug in the scanner to the OBD-II port and check for any stored trouble codes that might indicate a problem with the cooling system or engine temperature sensor.
Review the Codes: Look specifically for codes related to the cooling fan circuit or engine temperature sensor (e.g., P0480, P0481).

Step 3: Test the Cooling Fan Relay

Locate the Relay: Find the cooling fan relay in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
Swap Relays: If there is another relay with the same part number, swap them to see if the fan starts working. If it does, replace the faulty relay.
Test the Relay: Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the relay terminals according to the wiring diagram. Apply 12V to the control side of the relay and check if it closes the circuit.

Step 4: Test the Fan Motor

Direct Power Test: Disconnect the fan connector and apply 12V directly to the fan motor. If the fan operates, the motor is functional.
Check Resistance: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the fan motor windings. Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specifications.

Step 5: Check the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor

Locate the ECT Sensor: Usually found near the thermostat housing.
Test the Sensor: Use a multimeter to check the resistance of the ECT sensor. Compare to the specifications for the current temperature.
Replace if Faulty: If the resistance is outside the specified range, replace the ECT sensor.

Repair Instructions:

Fixing Wiring Issues

Repair or Replace Damaged Wires: If any wiring issues are found, repair using solder and heat shrink tubing or replace the wire harness section as necessary.

Replacing the Cooling Fan Relay

Purchase a New Relay: Obtain a replacement relay that matches the original specifications.
Install the New Relay: Insert the new relay into the corresponding socket in the fuse/relay box.

Replacing the Cooling Fan Motor

Remove the Fan Shroud: Disconnect the fan motor connector and unbolt the fan shroud assembly from the radiator.
Replace the Motor: Install the new fan motor and fan blades if necessary, and reassemble the fan shroud.
Reconnect and Test: Reconnect all connectors and test the fan operation by running the engine to operating temperature.

Conclusion:

After completing these diagnostic and repair steps, the cooling fan on your Toyota Corolla E170 should function properly. If the issue persists, further investigation into the ECM or a more detailed inspection of the wiring harness may be necessary.