2004 Cavalier Overheating / Fan Replacement

[Siguric]

I have a 2004 2.2 Chevy Cavalier.

Recently (well, about a couple months ago) the check engine light came on. I took it up to AutoZone and had them throw it on the computer.

It came back with error code "P0480". The probable causes were "Cooling fan relay defective" and "Check connector and wiring".

I didn't worry about it until recently, because it's been relatively cool outside and the temperature didn't really get above the halfway mark.

Today, it decided it was going to go into the "Danger, Will Robinson" area.

So, I finally decided to check the relays. Since the heater blower and the cooling fan relay are the same, I just switched them around (i.e. put the "heater" relay where the "cooling" relay was, and vice versa). The heater blower immediately came back on, so it's definitely not the relay.

Is there only the one connector to the fan assembly? Because if so, that's definitely securely connected. Wiring looks fine, also.

The next step is obviously to replace the unit. I don't really fancy paying $200 for an entire stock assembly, nor wiring an aftermarket one myself. I also don't want to go pull an assembly from a boneyard (who knows how reliable it would be...).

So, I've decided that I'm going to replace the fan motor. The part itself is only $25, so that's a plus. How difficult will it be to replace the old motor with the new motor? How difficult is it to pull the assembly out of the engine compartment?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[Siguric]

Alright, I switched out the fan motor with a new aftermarket one from Advanced Auto.

After I switched it out, the Check Engine light went off. I let the car run for about a half an hour, A/C cranked full blast, just trying to get it to heat up. It hit the 195 mark, and yet the fan still didn't kick on.

It also seems that the coolant isn't flowing. I had the lid off of the reservoir tank the whole time it was running, and there was no flow there. The upper radiator hose was hot, but it wasn't solid like fluid was running through it.

I figured it might be the thermostat, just not opening up.

So, after that, I had to run up to the Pizza Hut to pick up dinner. I stopped at AutoZone to pick up the thermostat, then headed down to the Pizza Hut. Right after I left AutoZone, the Check Engine light came back on. So I picked up my pizzas and went back to AutoZone.

They hooked it up to the computer, and it was reading the same exact error code: P0480

So, if it's not the relays, the connector, or the fan motor itself, what could the problem be?

Thanks.

[Helmuth48]

Pizza and no cold brews ??....that is the biggest mistake!!! Bad Boy !!!
When ever I have a problem with a blots ride and Donk or I cant fix it...we head for the pub. Two hours later...it all good !!! We get a cabie back to the shop !!!

Have you checked the fuse for the fan ??? Pull out the relay and make a jumper wire, #14-16ga and connect position #30 and #87 in the relay block. These numbers are on the bottom of the relay. This will simulate the relay closing and if the fuse is good and fan should come on.

If not...get a volt meter or check light and see if you have +12vdc or more on position #30 in the relay block.

By then, you ought to be real thirsty!!!! take break and have brew or two !!
Cheers mate.... JzJzz

[DAB77]

check the relay and see if it is getting a ground. not sure which connector it is,(some relays have the circuit printed on the top)..ground the relay, if the fan works then you are not getting a ground signal from the computer, you would need to check continuity from relay to ECM and from temp. switch to ECM and also from A/C pressure switch to ECM.
Also you should know that the fans do not turn on at 195, most turn on at 235 and off at 210 unless the A/C is on ,then it is also controlled by high pressure