P0480 on 2015-2016 Chrysler 200: Cooling Fan Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2016 Chrysler 200

For the 2015-2016 Chrysler 200, the P0480 code has a notable history tied to software issues. Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Chrysler, such as #18-022-17 REV. A, explicitly list P0480 as a code that can be resolved with a PCM software update. This is a critical first check, as owners can spend significant money replacing hardware like the fan assembly when only a reflash was needed. This software issue is also common on platform mates like the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee (KL). Another Chrysler-specific point of failure can be the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which houses the fan relays and fuses.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine overheating, especially at low speeds or while idling in traffic.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• Air conditioning performance is poor or blows warm air, as the fan is also needed to cool the A/C condenser.
• Cooling fan does not turn on when the engine gets hot or when the A/C is activated.
• Temperature gauge on the dashboard shows higher than normal readings or fluctuates wildly.
🎬 Watch: This video explains the P0480 code and how to fix it.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Cooling Fan Assembly 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Cooling Fan Blade The fan assembly includes the motor, shroud, and an integrated control module. The module or the motor itself can fail. A Reddit user on r/chrysler200 described a long ordeal where an aftermarket module failed, and only an OEM replacement worked temporarily, highlighting the sensitivity of the system. It is often sold as a complete unit.
   How to confirm: With the engine off, check if the fan spins freely by hand. Use a scan tool with bidirectional controls to command the fan on. If it doesn't run, use a multimeter to check for 12V power and a good ground at the fan's electrical connector. If power and ground are present, the assembly is bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire cooling fan assembly. 🎬 Watch this walkthrough for removing and replacing the radiator fan.
   Est. part cost: $140-$500
2. PCM Software Requires Update 🔴 High Probability Multiple manufacturer TSBs (e.g., #18-022-17 REV. A, #18-052-16) list P0480 as a code that can be resolved with a PCM software reflash. This is a very common issue for this platform.
   How to confirm: A Chrysler dealership or a qualified shop with access to OEM software (like wiTECH) can check your vehicle's current software version against available updates using your VIN.
   Typical fix: Update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. This must be done at a dealership or a properly equipped independent shop. Costs can range from $200-$300 for the service if out of warranty.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Faulty Cooling Fan Relay or Fuse ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Cooling Fan Blade On the 2015-2016 Chrysler 200, the main fan relay is integrated into the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) / fuse box and is not a simple plug-in replacement. However, there is a large 60A J-case fuse (often labeled F15) located in the fuse box on top of the battery that provides main power to the fan circuit. A 5A micro fuse at position F22 is also used for the 'Radiator Fan Enable' signal.
   How to confirm: Locate the power distribution center/fuse box on top of the battery. Inspect the large 60A fuse and the 5A F22 fuse for a break. Testing the integrated relay requires more advanced diagnostics of the TIPM itself.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown fuse(s). If the integrated relay is confirmed to be faulty, the entire TIPM/fuse box may need to be repaired or replaced.
   Est. part cost: $5-$25
4. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability Wiring can become corroded or damaged over time, especially at the connector for the fan assembly or the relay. A known issue on similar Chrysler platforms involves the plastic connectors on the underside of the fuse box melting due to high current draw, causing a poor connection.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the cooling fan assembly for any signs of melting, corrosion, or physical damage. A user on Chrysler Forum found a corroded and broken wire at the relay connector was the cause of their P0480 code, not the relay itself. Also inspect the large connectors under the main fuse box for signs of melted plastic or corrosion, as this indicates high resistance and can interrupt power to the fan circuit.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or clean/replace the connector. Dorman offers pigtail kits for this purpose. If the fuse box connector is melted, it may require cleaning the terminal and ensuring a solid connection, or replacing the fuse box itself.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare. Before condemning the PCM, all other possibilities, including software updates, wiring, and the fan assembly itself, must be exhaustively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). This is the most important first step. Contact a dealer with your VIN or use an online service to see if your vehicle is eligible for a PCM software update related to P0480 (e.g., TSB #18-022-17 REV. A).
2. Inspect Fuses. Locate the power distribution center on top of the battery and check the main 60A J-case fuse for the cooling fan (often position F15) and the 5A 'Radiator Fan Enable' fuse (F22).
3. Perform a Visual Inspection. Check the wiring and connector at the cooling fan assembly for any obvious damage, melting, or corrosion. Pay close attention to the pins inside the connector. Also inspect the connectors on the underside of the fuse box.
4. Use a Scan Tool for Active Test. A bidirectional scan tool is invaluable here. Command the cooling fan on (e.g., set duty cycle to 75%). Listen for the fan to activate. If it doesn't, proceed to electrical testing. If it does run but the code persists, it points towards a control module or feedback circuit issue.
5. Test for Power and Ground. If the fan does not run when commanded, use a multimeter at the fan connector. Check for 12-volt power on the main power wire and verify a solid ground on the ground wire.
6. Test the Fan Motor Directly. If power and ground are present but the fan doesn't run when commanded by the scan tool, you can carefully apply 12V directly from the battery to the fan motor's power and ground terminals to confirm if the motor itself has failed.
7. Trace the Circuit. If power is missing at the connector, trace the circuit back from the fan to the TIPM/fuse box. If the command signal is missing, the problem may lie between the PCM and the TIPM.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Radiator Cooling Fan Assembly (OEM #68194985AA) — This is the most common hardware failure for this code. The assembly includes the fan motor, shroud, and blades, and the integrated control module. Note: Some parts sites list this number for other vehicles like Ram trucks, so always verify fitment with your VIN.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman, TYC, Four Seasons
  OEM price range: $300-$500
  Aftermarket price range: $140-$250

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0456 — EVAP System Small Leak. This code is frequently mentioned alongside P0480 in Chrysler TSBs for software updates, but is functionally unrelated.
• P0133 — O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response. Also mentioned in TSBs as being resolved by a software update, not directly related to the fan circuit.
• U0402 — Implausible Data Received From TCM. Another code often bundled in the same software update TSBs as P0480.
• P0335 — Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. Mentioned in TSBs for software updates, indicating a general software logic issue rather than a related component failure.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #18-022-17 REV. A: Explicitly lists P0480 as a code addressed by a PCM software enhancement for 2015 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart models with the 2.4L engine.
• Bulletin #18-052-16: Includes P0480 in a list of DTCs that can be cleared by a software update for 2016 models. [NHTSA Data]
• Bulletin #18-051-16 REV. A: Also notes P0480 as a code fixed by a software enhancement for 2016 models. [NHTSA Data]
• Bulletin #1805116: Mentions P0480 - Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit/Open as part of a list of codes addressed by a software update. [NHTSA Data]

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A primary issue for the 2015-2016 Chrysler 200 is the high probability of P0480 being triggered by a software glitch in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Multiple TSBs confirm that a software update can resolve this and other unrelated codes simultaneously.
• The cooling fan relay is integrated into the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), making it non-serviceable as a simple plug-in part and complicating diagnosis compared to vehicles with standard relays.
• Owners on forums report that even after replacing the fan assembly, the code can return if the root cause was the software, leading to wasted money and time.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Voltage at fan motor connector with fan commanded ON — expected: 12V or battery voltage. Failure: Significantly less than 12V, or 0V, indicates a problem with the power or ground supply.
• Voltage drop under load — expected: Voltage should remain near 12V when the fan is plugged in and commanded on.. Failure: A significant voltage drop (e.g., from 12V to ~3V) when the fan is connected indicates high resistance in the circuit, possibly from a melted connector or corroded wire.
• PCM Connector C2, Pin 29 (Radiator Fan Control Signal) — expected: This is a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal from the PCM to the fan control module.. Failure: Absence of this signal when the fan should be on points to a PCM or wiring issue between the PCM and the fan module.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: Radiator Fan Actuator Test / Active Test — This command allows a technician to manually turn the cooling fan on (often at variable speeds) to verify if the fan motor, module, and power/ground circuits are functional, bypassing the temperature sensors and normal PCM logic. This is a crucial step to isolate a hardware failure from a control-side or software issue.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Power Distribution Center (PDC) / Fuse Box — In the engine compartment, located on top of the battery.. Houses the main 60A cartridge fuse and the 5A 'Radiator Fan Enable' fuse (F22). The connectors on the underside of this box are a known failure point for high-current circuits and should be inspected for melting or corrosion.
• PCM Connector C2, Pin 29 — At the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).. This pin sends the 'Radiator Fan Control Signal' (a PWM signal) to the fan assembly. A wiring diagram shows this is a Brown/Violet wire. Testing for this signal can confirm if the PCM is commanding the fan to turn on.
• G300 — Typically located in the body area, often near the passenger compartment.. This is a major body ground point. While not the direct ground for the fan motor itself (which is usually grounded near the front of the chassis), a poor G300 ground can cause a wide range of electrical issues with control modules that rely on it for a reference, potentially affecting fan control logic.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user Miserable_Chain5290 (2015 Chrysler 200) — Radiator fan circuit acting weird, fan runs even with fuses pulled, smoke from the power distribution center (fuse box).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Blowing out the fuse box after a coolant hose blew on it.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user identified a short within the power distribution center itself, likely caused by the coolant contamination. The plan was to replace the entire power distribution center with a junkyard unit. This highlights that external liquid damage to the fuse box can cause this code.
• YouTube channel 'Repairs and Rides' (2015 Chrysler 200 (similar issue on HVAC blower, but same electrical principle)) — Component (blower motor) not working under load.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial voltage test showed 12V when the component was unplugged.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was a melted plastic connector on the underside of the engine bay fuse panel. The high current draw heated the pin, melting the surrounding plastic and causing a poor connection that only failed under load. Cleaning the melted plastic off the metal pin restored the connection. This is a high-value check for the P0480 code as the fan motor is a high-current device.