PowertrainP0481
CautionSeverity: Caution - get it checked when you can
Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit
Key terms: Catalytic converter: cleans the exhaust gases · EGR: exhaust gas recirculation, which cuts harmful gases · EVAP: the system that traps fuel vapour · Oxygen sensor: measures oxygen in the exhaust gas · SAE J2012: the standard generic code list · Powertrain: engine, transmission and emissions
1What it means in plain English
This range covers emissions control (EGR, EVAP, oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter), but some manufacturers also use P04 codes for oil-pressure, brake-fluid and coolant-level warnings.
2Common causes
- Clogged or faulty EGR valve
- EVAP system leak (hoses, canister, fuel cap)
- Faulty oxygen sensor
- Ageing catalytic converter
- Low oil, brake fluid or coolant (on some models)
- Wiring or connector fault
3Can I drive?
Do not assume this code is safe to drive. Check the description: if it names oil pressure, brake fluid, coolant, or a brake fault, stop safely and have it diagnosed before driving. Emissions-only codes (EGR, EVAP, catalyst) should still be checked before an emissions or roadworthiness inspection.
This page gives general information. It is not professional advice. For a definite diagnosis and a repair quote, ask a qualified mechanic to inspect the car.
4Brand data 38
| Brand | Code | Description | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashok Leyland CV | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| BAIC Motor | P0481 | Fan2 Fault Brand | Powertrain |
| BMW | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Contr. Circ Brand | Powertrain |
| BYD | P0481 | High speed fan fault Brand | Powertrain |
| Chery | P0481 | Fan circuit 2 Brand | Powertrain |
| Chrysler | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Daewoo | P0481 | Fan 2 Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| DFFS | P0481 | High speed fan fault Brand | Powertrain |
| DFFX | P0481 | Fan 2 Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| DFXK | P0481 | High speed fan Fault Brand | Powertrain |
| EOBD | P0481 | Fläkt 2 styrkrets Brand | Powertrain |
| Ford | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Geely | P0481 | Fan 2 Output Fault Brand | Powertrain |
| GM | P0481 | Fan 2 Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Great Wall | P0481 | High speed fan fault Brand | Powertrain |
| Hafei | P0481 | Fan 2 Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Holden | P0481 | Cooling Fan System Performance Brand | Powertrain |
| Honda | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Hyundai | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Isuzu | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Land Rover | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Mahindra | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Maserati | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit/Open Brand | Powertrain |
| Mazda | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Mitsubishi | P0481 | High speed fan control circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Opel | P0481 | Fan 2 Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Peugeot | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Porsche | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Proton | P0481 | High speed fan control circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Saab | P0481 | Fan 2 Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| MG (SAIC) | P0481 | Fan 2 Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Subaru | P0481 | Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit SAE | Powertrain |
| Suzuki | P0481 | Cooling fan 2 (A/C fan) control circuit malfunction Brand | Powertrain |
| SWM Motor | P0481 | High speed fan fault Brand | Powertrain |
| Tata | P0481 | Fan 2 Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Toyota | P0481 | High speed fan fault Brand | Powertrain |
| Volvo | P0481 | High Fan Control Primary Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Volkswagen | P0481 | Coolant fan control circuit 2: electrical malfunction Brand | Powertrain |
Legend: SAE is the generic J2012 description; Brand is text taken from that manufacturer’s data. Manufacturer rows keep the wording and language of the source data, and non-English text is tagged so screen readers pronounce it correctly.
5Extended variant codes 3
These 7-character codes are manufacturer-specific variants of P0481 and may be reported by some scan tools.
6Related codes
Browse Pxxx codes or P048xx codes.