01 How a Failed Deal With Honda Pushed Nissan Into Toyota’s Ar… • 02 How Bad Is It to Drive with a Leaking Head Gasket? • 03 Is Your Car Burning Oil? Signs & Solutions for Oil on Spark… • 04 11 Reasons Your Car Won't Start and How to Resolve Them • 05 Is the Toyota Supra Saying Goodbye? Here's What We Know • 06 The Real Reason SUVs Are Dominating the Market • 07 V10 vs V8 Engine: Which One is Better? • 08 Why Disconnecting Your Car Battery for Storage is a Good Ba… • 09 A Comparison of Planetary and Bevel Gears: Types, Functions… • 10 The Oil Change Dilemma: Decoding the Importance of Time vs.… •

DTC codes / GM codes / P1460

P1460 · GMCooling Fan Control System

P1460 on a GM vehicle indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a fault within the cooling fan control system, typically an open or short circuit in the fan relay control circuit or a malfunction of the fan clutch. The PCM commands the fan on and monitors the circuit for expected voltage changes; when the feedback does not match the command, it sets this code and may default the fan to full speed for safety.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGM specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

  • The service engine soon light illuminates on the dashboard.
  • The engine cooling fan may run continuously at full speed regardless of coolant temperature.
  • The cooling fan may fail to turn on, leading to higher coolant temperatures in traffic or at idle.
  • The air conditioning may become less effective because the condenser fan is not engaging when needed.
  • In some cases, no drivability symptoms are noticed besides the warning light.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed cooling fan relay or relay control module.
  2. Open or shorted wiring in the fan control circuit, including damaged connectors or chafed harnesses.
  3. Defective cooling fan clutch (on vehicles equipped with a clutch-type fan).
  4. Faulty coolant temperature sensor or its circuit, causing incorrect fan commands.
  5. PCM internal fault, though this is less common and should be diagnosed last.
  6. Blown fuse or poor ground connection at the fan motor or relay.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify the code with a scan tool and check for any related powertrain codes that could affect fan operation.
  2. Inspect the cooling fan fuse and relay, swapping the relay with a known-good identical relay to see if the fan operates correctly.
  3. Perform a visual inspection of the fan wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  4. Use a multimeter to check for power and ground at the fan motor connector when the fan is commanded on; if power and ground are present but the fan does not run, replace the fan motor.
  5. Test the fan control circuit from the PCM to the relay for continuity and shorts; repair any wiring faults found.
  6. If the circuit tests good, check the coolant temperature sensor readings against actual engine temperature to ensure the PCM is receiving accurate data.
  7. As a last step, consult GM service information for specific pinpoint tests for P1460 and consider PCM replacement only if all other components test good.

Don't overlook the fan clutch and relay

  • On many GM trucks and SUVs, a failed fan clutch can set P1460 without any fan-related symptoms because the clutch may default to engaged, keeping the fan running constantly.
  • A common misdiagnosis is replacing the fan motor when the actual fault is a corroded ground connection at the fan relay or chassis ground point, which is easy to miss during a quick visual check.
  • The PCM may command the fan on for reasons other than coolant temperature, such as when the air conditioning is turned on; a fault in the A/C pressure sensor circuit can therefore trigger P1460 indirectly.
  • Intermittent wiring faults often set P1460 only under certain conditions like vibration or temperature changes, so a wiggle test of the harness while monitoring fan operation can reveal the problem.
  • Some GM vehicles use a pulse-width modulated (PWM) fan controller; a failing controller can set P1460 and cause the fan to run at full speed or not at all, and it is often integrated into the fan assembly.

Can I keep driving with P1460?

You can usually drive the vehicle with P1460 set, but monitor the coolant temperature gauge closely and avoid prolonged idling or heavy traffic if the fan is not working. If the temperature rises above normal, pull over and shut off the engine to prevent overheating damage.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for GM vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

Running on fumes Free guides aren't free to make. Top up the tank. Any amount, one time. Fuel the Garage