2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X

I've been getting a P0480 (cooling fan circuit malfunction) code that started to pop up once in awhile but clearing the code worked (stored code). Now it is an active code. Further diagnosis:

1. Fan seems to operate fine. Does not overheat even sitting idle in the hot summer days.
2. With vehicle shut off, one can move the fan freely. Seems to be free of obstruction
3. Didn't notice any chewed cables in the harness or elsewhere
4. Motor housing is rusty but doesn't look damaged.
5. No blown fuses in the TIPM
6. Doesn't seem to be stuck on the on position. After turning on engine, takes a bit for the fan to turn on, or turn on the AC and it runs as expected.

Recently I had my thermostat replaced under warranty (lifetime warranty) and the dealer either didn't secure the hose or didn't bleed the system. Coolant sprayed everywhere out of a detached hose while I was driving. This was about a month or two ago. The code issue started a couple weeks after after, thinking possible fault somewhere caused by corrosion or moisture?

I'm thinking of replacing the whole fan and relay or just replacing the relay.

Any thoughts?

 

From the '08 service manual...
Are you using an enhanced OBD scanner that will also read codes from the TIPM? If not, see the relevant link below in signature. Additional fault codes will get you much closer to a solution. Both these code looks like generic DTC's that point to looking deeper into the proprietary enhanced codes.

Also, do a domain specific search (google) of JK-forum and the others with that DTC quoted, and see what others with that code have done. For example:
site:jk-forum.com "P0480"

Stay in touch,

 

Thanks for reaching out. At your advice, I got a cheap enhanced OBDII scanner, good investment given my Jeep is now 12 years old. Prior to that, I disconnected/reconnected the relay in the TIPM and both ends of the wire harness, and had planned to do the same for relay behind the headlight (PITA to get to that), cleared the code, and drove around 50+ miles. It has not yet come back on, so I'm thinking there is a bad connection somewhere. If it happens again I'll do the same with the relay behind headlight. The scanner is currently picking up no active codes and no stored codes, diagnostics all look OK. Knock wood, I'm in the clear for a lil while, definitely getting my inspection sticker while it lasts!

Thanks again,
-Rob