VOLVO
ECM-0480 - Engine cooling fan (FC). Faulty signal
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
4 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), V50 (2004–2013)
Show models by year and engine (18)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007–2009Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, B4184S8, B4204S3, D4204T only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2010Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, B4184S8, B4204S3, B4204S4, D4204T only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2011–2012Engine B4164S3, B4204S3, B4204S4 only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2013Engine B4204S3, B4204S4 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2008Engine D4204T only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2009–2010Engine D4204T only · Transmission MMT6, MPS6 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2004Engine D4204T, D4204T2 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2005Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, D4204T, D4204T2 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2006Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, B4184S8, D4204T, D4204T2 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2007–2009Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, B4184S8, B4204S3, D4204T only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2010Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, B4184S8, B4204S3, B4204S4, D4204T only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2011–2012Engine B4164S3, B4204S3, B4204S4 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2004Engine D4204T, D4204T2 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2005Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, D4204T, D4204T2 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2006Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, B4184S8, D4204T, D4204T2 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2007–2009Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, B4184S8, B4204S3, D4204T only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2010Engine B4164S3, B4184S11, B4184S8, B4204S3, B4204S4, D4204T only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2011–2012Engine B4164S3, B4204S3, B4204S4 only
What does this fault code mean?
The engine control module drives the cooling fan with a PWM signal and monitors its control circuit. If the signal to the fan is faulty, or the control circuit gives faulty signals, the fault is set. It may be noticed as the engine overheating or the fan running all the time.
Possible causes
- Poor contact, resistance or oxidation in the connections
- Open circuit in the power supply to the cooling fan
- Open circuit in the signal wire, or signal wire shorted to ground or voltage
- Damaged cooling fan
What you can do
- 1Check that the fuse for the cooling fan circuit is intact. Their locations are shown in the instruction manual or on the fuse box cover
- 2Look for fan blades blocked by debris or damage, as this can cause the fault
- 3Switch off the ignition and check the cooling fan connector for looseness, contact resistance and oxidation
- 4Check that the earth lead is firmly and cleanly fixed at its earth point
- 5Use a multimeter to check that the signal wire to the fan has no open circuit and is not shorted to ground or voltage
- 6If the fault remains, have a workshop with diagnostic equipment check the fan control and the fan
Symptoms you may notice2
- The engine overheats or runs hot
- The cooling fan runs all the time
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.