P0480 on 2013-2015 Dodge DART: Cooling Fan Circuit Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2015 Dodge DART

On the Dodge Dart, the cooling fan system is fairly standard, but two issues are critical to check first. Many owners are unaware of a 60A MIDI fuse attached directly to the positive battery terminal, which provides the main power to the fan motor; this is separate from the smaller relay control fuse in the main fuse box and is a common, often overlooked, failure point. Additionally, Dodge issued PCM software updates to address this and other codes. Before replacing expensive parts, a dealer should check if TSB #18-022-17 REV. A (for 2014-2015 models) or #18-023-16 (for 2013-2015 models with the 2.4L engine) applies, as a simple reflash might be the fix.

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 when idling or in slow traffic
• Temperature gauge reading higher than normal
• Check Engine Light is on
• Air conditioning may not blow cold air (as the fan is needed to cool the A/C condenser)
• You do not hear the cooling fan running after the engine has warmed up or when the A/C is turned on.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Cooling Fan Relay 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Cooling Fan Blade Relays are electro-mechanical switches that wear out over time from repeated use. They are a very common failure point in many automotive circuits.
   How to confirm: Locate the cooling fan relay (labeled T02) 🎬 See this video for the exact relay location and replacement. in the under-hood fuse box. A simple test is to swap it with an identical relay from a non-critical circuit (like the horn) and see if the fan turns on or the horn stops working.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty relay with a new one. Mopar offers several compatible relays, such as part number 68053218AA.
   Est. part cost: $10-$25
2. Blown Cooling Fan Fuse 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Cooling Fan Blade A surge in current, often from a seizing or obstructed fan motor, can blow the fuse. On the Dart, there are two fuses to check: a small 5A fuse for the relay control circuit in the fuse box, and a large 60A MIDI fuse on the positive battery terminal that powers the fan motor itself.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the small fuse in the under-hood fuse box. Then, remove the cover from the positive battery terminal 🎬 Watch: How to find and replace the 60A MIDI fuse. and inspect the 60A MIDI fuse (Mopar part 68172084AA), which is often the culprit. A blown fuse will have a broken internal wire.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown fuse. If it blows again, the root cause must be investigated, which is likely a shorted wire or a failing fan motor drawing too much current.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15
3. Failed Cooling Fan Assembly 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Cooling Fan Blade The electric motor in the fan assembly can wear out and fail, or the integrated fan control module can malfunction. A Reddit user fixed their P0480 code by replacing the fan and the 60A MIDI fuse it had blown.
   How to confirm: After confirming the fuses and relay are good, use a multimeter to check for power and ground at the fan connector. If voltage is present when the fan should be on (e.g., A/C on), but the fan doesn't spin, the assembly is bad. You can also try to apply 12V directly to the fan motor to test it.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire cooling fan assembly, which includes the motor, shroud, and blades. The OEM Mopar part is 68189127AA. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the fan assembly yourself.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300
4. Damaged Wiring or Connectors 🟡 Medium Probability Engine bay wiring is exposed to heat, vibration, and moisture, which can lead to corrosion, breaks in the wire, or loose pins in the connectors. A Reddit user reported their issue was simply a disconnected fan control module.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the entire wiring harness from the fuse box to the cooling fan assembly. Look for melted plastic, green corrosion, or any obvious breaks. Tug gently on the wires at the connectors to ensure they are secure. Pay close attention to the main connector at the fan assembly.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or clean/replace the faulty connector.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is rare, but the internal driver circuit in the PCM that controls the fan relay can fail. The existence of multiple TSBs requiring a software reflash for this code indicates the PCM is a potential, though unlikely, point of failure. This should be considered only after all other possibilities have been exhausted.
• Faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS): While a bad CTS can prevent the fan from turning on, it will usually set its own specific trouble codes (like P0117 or P0118). It's less likely to be the sole cause of P0480, which points to an electrical circuit fault rather than a logic issue based on incorrect temperature readings.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the Check Engine Light is on and code P0480 is present using an OBD-II scanner.
2. With the engine off, visually inspect the cooling fan for any obstructions that would prevent it from spinning. Try to spin it by hand to ensure it's not seized.
3. Check the fuses. First, inspect the small fuse for the fan relay in the under-hood fuse box (often 5A). Crucially, remove the cover on the positive battery terminal and inspect the 60A MIDI fuse (Mopar P/N 68172084AA) that provides main power to the fan.
4. Locate the cooling fan relay (T02) in the fuse box. Swap it with a known-good, identical relay (e.g., the horn relay) to see if the fault clears or the fan begins to work.
5. If fuses and relay are good, start the engine and turn the A/C to MAX. This should command the fan to turn on. Listen for the fan running.
6. If the fan does not run, perform a visual inspection of the wiring harness and connectors between the relay and the fan assembly. Look for any signs of damage, melting, or corrosion. A user on a forum found their fan module was simply unplugged.
7. If wiring appears intact, use a multimeter to test for 12V+ and good ground at the cooling fan connector. If voltage and ground are present but the fan does not spin, the cooling fan assembly is faulty and needs to be replaced.
8. If voltage is not present, there is a break in the wiring between the relay and the fan that must be traced and repaired.
9. If all components and wiring test good, the final step is to consult a dealer to check for required PCM software updates as mentioned in TSBs #18-022-17 REV. A and #18-023-16. A faulty PCM is the final, least likely possibility.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Cooling Fan Assembly (OEM #68189127AA) — The electric motor within the assembly is a common failure point that wears out over time, causing an open circuit or drawing excessive current that blows the 60A MIDI fuse.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman, TYC, Four Seasons
  OEM price range: $250-$350
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$250
• Cooling Fan Relay (T02) (OEM #68053218AA) — This is a small electro-mechanical switch that is activated frequently and can fail from wear, causing an open in the fan's control circuit. It's an inexpensive and easy part to replace during diagnosis.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products, Wells
  OEM price range: $20-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$25
• MIDI Fuse (60 Amp) (OEM #68172084AA) — This is the main power supply fuse for the fan motor, located on the positive battery terminal. A failing fan motor can draw too much current and blow this fuse, creating an open circuit. It is a very common and often-missed point of failure for this code on the Dart.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bussmann, Littelfuse
  OEM price range: $10-$20
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0117 — If the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor circuit is reading low, the PCM may not see a reason to command the fan on, though this is a separate fault.
• P0118 — If the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor circuit is reading high, the fan should be commanded on constantly. If the fan circuit then fails, P0480 will be stored.
• P1D73 — This code for 'AGS Performance' (Active Grille Shutter) is listed alongside P0480 in TSBs, suggesting a related software issue the PCM update can fix.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-022-17 REV. A
• 18-023-16

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• PCM Software Update TSBs: Technical Service Bulletins #18-022-17 REV. A (for 2014-15 models) and #18-023-16 (for 2013-15 2.4L models) list P0480 as one of several codes that can be resolved with a PCM reflash. This should be investigated before replacing expensive hardware.
• Hidden 60A MIDI Fuse: A frequent point of failure that is often missed during diagnosis is the 60A MIDI fuse located directly on the positive battery terminal block. Many owners and even some technicians only check the fuses in the under-hood fuse box, leading to misdiagnosis.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Cooling Fan Assembly Operating Specs (Aftermarket Reference) — expected: Voltage: ~13.5V, Current Draw: ~20.8A, Power: ~60W.. Failure: Significantly higher current draw may indicate a failing motor, while no draw indicates an open circuit. These are reference values from an aftermarket part.
• PCM Command Signal to Fan Control Module — expected: A Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal. Voltage will vary depending on the commanded fan speed.. Failure: No signal or a static (non-pulsing) voltage when the fan should be active indicates a problem with the PCM or the wiring between the PCM and the fan module.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• TIPM-related codes: While not a specific shadow code for P0480, some Chrysler products can store fault codes within the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). A failure in the TIPM can cause the P0480 code to set. (see via An advanced scan tool capable of communicating with the TIPM/Body Control Module is required. Basic OBD-II readers will not see these codes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent advanced scanner: Radiator Cooling Fan Duty Cycle Active Test — This bidirectional command allows a technician to manually command the cooling fan on at various speeds (e.g., 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%) directly from the scan tool. If the fan responds correctly to these commands, it confirms the fan motor, control module, and wiring from the module to the motor are all functional, pointing the diagnosis towards the PCM command circuit or sensors.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Radiator Fan Control Module — Located on the left side of the radiator fan assembly shroud, inside the engine bay.. This module receives the command from the PCM and controls the fan speed. The connector to this module is a key test point for power, ground, and the command signal.
• G103 — On the left side of the engine compartment.. This is a primary ground point for components in the engine bay. A corroded or loose G103 ground can cause a variety of electrical issues, including an open circuit fault for the cooling fan.
• Battery Fuse Block — Attached directly to the positive terminal of the battery.. This block contains the main 60A MIDI fuse that supplies high-current power to the fan assembly. It is a critical and often-overlooked check point.
• Fan Assembly Connector — A 4-pin connector that plugs into the radiator fan control module.. This is the main electrical interface for the fan assembly. Technicians test for power, ground, and the PWM signal at this connector's pins to determine if the fault is in the fan assembly or the vehicle-side wiring.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• DodgeForum.com user 'Fontes' (2015 Dodge Dart) — P0480 code, cooling fan does not work.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced the cooling fan assembly (it worked at first, then stopped)., Checked wiring., Checked coolant temperature sensor., Checked relay.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user's final post was asking if the computer needed to be reprogrammed, as all hardware checks and replacements had failed to provide a permanent fix. This aligns with the TSBs that call for a PCM reflash to resolve the code.
• YouTube channel 'Trucks, Cars and Coffey' (2015 Dodge Dart GT 2.4L) — Cooling fan went out.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) N/A, went straight to replacement.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replaced the cooling fan assembly. The owner opted to buy a used OEM fan assembly from eBay for $125, noting that the dealership wanted $700 for a new one. The video provides a detailed guide on how to replace the fan without draining the coolant.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• In a documented case on DodgeForum.com, a vehicle owner replaced the cooling fan assembly, which only worked temporarily. After confirming the relay, sensor, and wiring were all good, the problem persisted. This strongly suggests that for some vehicles, the root cause is not a common hardware failure but rather a software issue requiring the PCM reflash mentioned in the TSBs, or a more complex failure of the PCM or TIPM.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 55111482AB, 55111482AC → 68189127AA — Standard part revision and consolidation by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The newer part number (68189127AA) is the correct replacement for the older numbers. One source notes this part may be discontinued from the manufacturer, potentially requiring sourcing from new old stock, used parts, or aftermarket alternatives.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013 vs 2014-2015: The primary documented variation is in the software. TSB #18-023-16 applies to 2013 models (with 2.4L engine), while TSB #18-022-17 REV. A applies to 2014-2015 models, both addressing P0480 with a PCM reflash. The physical cooling fan assembly (68189127AA) is generally the same across the 2013-2016 model years.