What it means
Open circuit at the charge air cooler cooling fan (electric fan helping to cool the intercooler).
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The charge air cooler fan moves air across the intercooler to help lower the temperature of compressed intake air. The control module monitors the fan control circuit and sets this code when the circuit appears open, such as from a broken wire, a terminal pushed back in its connector, or an internal connection fault.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Wiring break
- Pin pushed back out of connector body
- Cracked solder joint inside the module or sensor
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Reduced engine power
- Higher intake-air temperature
- Possible engine protection warning
How to diagnose it
- Save the freeze-frame data and check live intake-air temperature and any fan command or status data to see whether the open circuit coincides with high charge-air temperature.
- With the engine off, inspect the charge air cooler fan connector and harness for a disconnected plug, backed-out pin, broken wire, corrosion, or chafing.
- Check the fan circuit fuse and power and ground connections using the manufacturer's wiring diagram and procedure.
- Test continuity through the fan control circuit and check connector terminals for poor contact, comparing results with the manufacturer's specification.
- If the external circuit is intact, test the fan and its control module or driver according to the manufacturer's procedure.
Common fixes
- Reconnect the charge air cooler fan plug and secure the harness if it has come loose.
- Repair a broken or chafed fan control wire and restore a sound connector terminal contact.
- Replace a damaged connector terminal or repair a failed internal circuit connection if confirmed.
- Replace the fan or control module only if testing confirms that component has failed.
Can I keep driving?
If intake temperatures remain normal and there is no engine protection warning, drive gently and avoid sustained boost or heavy loads until the fan circuit is repaired. Stop if an engine protection warning appears or power drops, since continued high charge-air temperatures can cause power reduction and added engine stress.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.