P1481 Fault Code

Ford – FAN SECONDARY LOW WITH HIGH FAN ON

For Ford, fault code P1481 is logged when the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an issue with the cooling fan circuit.

This happens when the fan is under high-speed operation. The cooling fan will typically only operate at high speeds when the PCM has detected a high temperature from the engine.

This can be a result of extended driving or aggressive acceleration. It can also be a result of stop-and-start traffic for prolonged periods of time, which is a very common cause of overheating.

The engine cooling fan is responsible for supplying cold air through the radiator. This allows for heat exchange between the air and the coolant circulating within the radiator, which then lets the coolant to remove heat from the engine block.

This can be caused by a number of issues like a faulty fan or temperature sensors. However, there may be other electrical issues present like damaged wires or loose connections.

See generic codes: P0480, P0485

Mercedes Benz – GLOW PLUG FAILURE

For Mercedes-Benz, fault code P1481 is logged when the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an issue with one of the glow plugs in the engine or the glow plug circuit itself.

Unlike petrol engines, diesel engines do not rely on spark plugs for ignition. Instead, they use the heat generated from the compression cycle to cause combustion.

At low engine temperatures and cold environments, there is not enough heat generated in the beginning to ignite the air-fuel mixture. Glow plugs are used to warm the cylinders to aid in the first few cycles when starting the engine.

This means only diesel engines will have glow plugs and be able to have this fault code logged.

Unfortunately, fault code P1481 does not indicate which glow plug is at fault. This makes it important to pay attention to other codes like P0671 to P0678 that can pinpoint the faulty glow plug.

This means the list of possible causes includes a faulty glow plug in any of the various cylinders, as an issue with the glow plug relay.

Additionally, there may be electrical issues present in the glow plug circuits. These can be caused by damaged wires or loose or damaged connections.

See generic codes: P0670 to P0684

Opel/Vauxhall – FAN CONTROL 1 CIRCUIT OPEN

For Opel/Vauxhall, fault code P1481 is logged when the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an issue with the cooling fan control circuit.

This code specifies that the first circuit of the cooling fan is at fault.

The engine cooling fan is responsible for supplying cold air through the radiator. This allows for heat exchange between the air and the coolant circulating within the radiator, which then lets the coolant to remove heat from the engine block.

This issue indicates that there is a fault within the control circuit for the engine cooling fan. This means it is likely an electrical problem somewhere between the fan and the PCM.

This can be a result of faulty wiring, damaged or loose connections, a blown fuse, or a defective control module.

See generic codes: P0480