Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Cooling System (Mechanical) All sections

Engine Cooling System: Overview Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. 2: Listen for an audible click when the low speed fan relay operates. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.
  2. 3: Listen for an audible click when the S/P and high speed fan relays operate. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.
StepActionYesNo
Schematic Reference: Engine Cooling Schematics Connector End View Reference: Cooling System Connector End Views
1Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?Go to Step 2Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle
2Install a scan tool. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. With a scan tool, command the Fans Low Speed ON and OFF. Does the low speed fan relay turn ON and OFF with each command?Go to Step 3Go to Step 4
3With a scan tool, command the Fans High Speed ON and OFF. Do the S/P and the high speed fan relays turn ON and OFF with each command?Go to Diagnostic AidsGo to Step 6
4Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the low speed fan relay. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Probe the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the low speed fan relay with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground. Does the test lamp illuminate?Go to Step 5Go to Step 16
5Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the low speed fan relay and the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the low speed fan relay. With a scan tool, command the Fans Low Speed ON and OFF. Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?Go to Step 12Go to Step 9
6Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the high speed fan relay. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Probe the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the high speed fan relay with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground. Does the test lamp illuminate?Go to Step 7Go to Step 16
7Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the high speed fan relay and the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the high speed fan relay. With a scan tool, command the Fans High Speed ON and OFF. Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?Go to Step 14Go to Step 8
8Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the S/P fan relay. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the S/P fan relay and the ignition 3 voltage circuit of the S/P fan relay. With a scan tool, command the Fans High Speed ON and OFF. Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?Go to Step 13Go to Step 9
9Does the test lamp remain illuminated with each command?Go to Step 11Go to Step 10
10Test the control circuit of the appropriate relay for a short to voltage or an open. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 21Go to Step 15
11Test the control circuit of the appropriate relay for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 21Go to Step 15
12Inspect for poor connections at the low speed fan relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 21Go to Step 17
13Inspect for poor connections at the S/P fan relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 21Go to Step 18
14Inspect for poor connections at the high speed fan relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 21Go to Step 19
15Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 21Go to Step 20
16Repair the ignition 3 voltage circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 21
17Replace the low speed fan relay. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 21
18Replace the S/P fan relay. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 21
19Replace the high speed fan relay. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 21
20Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 21
21Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text. Does the DTC reset?Go to Step 2System OK

DTC P0480 or P0481

Circuit/System Description

The low engine coolant level indicator lamp is controlled by the engine control module (ECM). The normal state of the engine coolant level switch is closed when in contact with coolant.

The optional coolant heater operates using 110 volt AC external power and is designed to warm the coolant in the engine block area for improved starting in very cold weather. The coolant heater helps reduce fuel consumption when a cold engine is warming up. The unit is equipped with a detachable AC power cord. A weather shield on the cord is provided to protect the plug when not in use.

The optional coolant heater operates using 110 volt AC external power and is designed to warm the coolant in the engine block area for improved starting in very cold weather. There is an internal thermal switch in the power cord that prevents operation above -18°C (0°F). The coolant heater helps reduce fuel consumption when a cold engine is warming up. The unit is equipped with a detachable AC power cord. A weather shield on the cord is provided to protect the plug when not in use.

Reference Information

Electrical Information Reference

  1. «Circuit Testing»(ref-277884-S17422072462008012100000)
  2. «Connector Repairs»(ref-277884-S12371167392008012100000)
  3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(ref-277884-S20700666652008012100000)
  4. «Wiring Repairs»(ref-277884-S08861102212008012100000)

The optional coolant heater operates using 110 volt AC external power and is designed to warm the coolant in the engine block area for improved starting in very cold weather. There are two heater cords available. One has an internal thermal switch in the power cord that prevents operation above -18°C (0°F) and the other operates at all temperatures. A weather shield on the cord is provided to protect the plug when not in use.