Cooling fan system operation (at idle)

2006 Mazda 6 i, 4D Sedan, AutomaticSECTION Cooling fan system operation (at idle)
COOLING FAN SYSTEM OPERATION

Engine condition Fan relay No.1 Fan relay No.2 Fan relay No.3 Fan relay No.4 Cooling fan motor No.1 Cooling fan motor No.2
Engine coolant temperature below 100°C {212°F} OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
Engine coolant temperature above 100°C {212°F} (until 97°C {208°F}) ON OFF OFF ON Low speed Low speed
Engine coolant temperature above 108°C {233°F} (until 105°C {221°F}) ON ON ON ON High speed High speed
A/C and fan switches are on. Refrigerant pressure switch (middle pressure) is off. ON OFF OFF ON Low speed Low speed
Refrigerant pressure switch (middle pressure) is on. ON ON ON OFF High speed Middle speed
ECT sensor malfunction ON ON ON ON High speed High speed
  1. Connect WDS or equivalent to DLC-2.
  2. Verify that DTC P0480, P0481, and P0482 are not displayed.
    • If DTC P0480, P0481 or P0482 are displayed, perform DTC inspection.
  3. Verify that ECT PID is below cooling fan operating temperature.
  4. Verify that the A/C switch and fan switch are off.
  5. Start the engine and idle it.
  6. Verify that the cooling fans are not operating.
    • If cooling fan No.1 is operating, inspect whether cooling fan relay No.2 is stuck in the closed position.
    • If the cooling fans are operating, inspect whether cooling fan relay No.1 is stuck in the closed position.
    • If the cooling fans are operating at high speed, inspect DTC for ECT sensor (P0117, P0118).
    • If cooling fan No.1 does not operate and cooling fan No.2 is operating, inspect whether cooling fan relay No.3 is stuck in the closed.
  7. Start the engine.
  8. Verify that the cooling fans are low speed when ECT PID is 100°C {212°F} or above  .
    • If cooling fan No.1 does not operate, verify that DTC P0480 is not detected.
      • If DTC P0480 is detected, perform DTC inspection.
      • If DTC P0480 is not detected, inspect for the following:
        • Cooling fan relay No.2 is stuck in open position.
        • Open circuit in wiring harnesses or connectors or both between cooling fan relay No.2 and cooling fan motor No.1.
    • If the cooling fan No.2 does not operate, verify that DTC P0482 is not detected.
      • If DTC P0482 is detected, perform DTC inspection.
      • If DTC P0482 is not detected, inspect the following:
        • Cooling fan relay No.3 is stuck in open position.
        • Open circuit in wiring harnesses or connectors or both between cooling fan relay No.3 and cooling fan motor No.2
    • If cooling fan No.1 or cooling fan No.2 or both are operating at high speed, verify that DTC P0481 is not detected.
      • If DTC P0481 is detected, perform DTC inspection.
      • If DTC P0481 is not detected, inspect the following:
        • Cooling fan relay No.1 is stuck in closed position.
        • Cooling fan relay No.4 is stuck in closed position.
  9. Turn A/C switch and fan switch on.
  10. Verify that A/C is operating.
    • If A/C is not operating, inspect the following:
      • A/C switch
      • Fan switch
      • Refrigerant pressure switch
  11. Verify that cooling fan No.1 is operating at high speed and cooling fan No.2 is operating other than at low speed (high or middle speed).
    • If the cooling fan relay does not operate high speed and cooling fan No.2 is operating low speed, inspect the following:
      • Cooling fan relay No.1 is stuck in open position.
      • Cooling fan relay No.4 is stuck in open position.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.