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DTC codes / P04xx · Auxiliary emission controls / P0495

P0495Fan Speed High

P0495 means the powertrain control module (PCM) commanded the engine cooling fan to run at a high speed, but the fan circuit reported a fault or the fan did not respond as expected. The PCM monitors the fan control circuit and often the fan's actual speed or current draw, and it sets this code when the high-speed command cannot be verified or the circuit is out of range.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

  • The check engine light illuminates, often with no other noticeable symptoms.
  • The engine coolant temperature may run hotter than normal, especially in traffic or at idle.
  • The cooling fan may run constantly at high speed or not run at all when high speed is commanded.
  • You may hear the fan relay clicking repeatedly or not engaging when the engine gets hot.
  • In some vehicles, the air conditioning may perform poorly or cut out when the fan fails to run at high speed.
  • A message such as 'Engine Over Temperature' may appear on the dashboard in severe cases.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A faulty cooling fan relay or fan control module that fails to switch the high-speed circuit.
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors between the PCM, relay, and fan motor.
  3. A worn or seized cooling fan motor that draws excessive current or does not spin when commanded.
  4. A failed coolant temperature sensor or circuit sending incorrect temperature data to the PCM.
  5. A PCM software issue or internal driver fault in the fan control circuit (less common).
  6. Poor ground connection at the fan motor or chassis, causing intermittent high-speed operation.
  7. Aftermarket or incorrect fan assembly that does not match the vehicle's original specifications.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify the code with a scan tool and check for any related codes in the cooling fan or engine temperature systems.
  2. Inspect the cooling fan relay, fuses, and wiring for obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
  3. Command the fan on and off with a scan tool to see if the fan responds and to check the actual fan speed or current draw.
  4. Test the fan motor directly by applying power and ground to confirm it spins freely and draws normal current.
  5. Check the coolant temperature sensor readings against actual engine temperature to rule out false commands.
  6. Repair or replace any faulty relay, wiring, connector, or fan motor found during testing.
  7. Clear the code and road-test the vehicle to confirm the fan operates correctly at high speed and the code does not return.

What the fan circuit is really telling you

  • A P0495 can set even when the fan runs normally if the feedback circuit or current sensor inside the fan module is faulty, so do not replace the fan motor without testing the feedback signal.
  • Many vehicles use a pulse-width modulated (PWM) fan controller; a code for high speed may actually indicate a short to ground or an open circuit in the control wire, not a failed motor.
  • The PCM may command high fan speed as a fail-safe when other sensor inputs, such as the coolant temperature sensor, are implausible, so always check for related codes before condemning the fan.
  • Corroded grounds near the radiator support or inner fender are a common hidden cause of intermittent fan faults that set P0495 only under certain conditions.
  • After replacing a fan motor or module, some vehicles require a relearn or calibration procedure with a scan tool to avoid repeat codes.

Can I keep driving with P0495?

You can usually drive short distances with the warning light on, but avoid heavy traffic, prolonged idling, and towing until the fan is repaired. If the engine temperature gauge climbs above normal or you see steam, stop safely and shut the engine off 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 all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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