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DTC codes / P0Axx · Hybrid propulsion / P0A96

P0A96Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit/Open

P0A96 indicates that the hybrid or electric vehicle battery pack cooling fan 2 control circuit is open, meaning the battery energy control module has detected no continuity or an unexpected open path in the wiring that commands the second cooling fan. The computer expects a complete circuit to power the fan, but the voltage or current feedback does not match the commanded state, so it flags the circuit as open.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaHybrid propulsion

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the hybrid system warning light or service vehicle soon message on the dashboard
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the second fan is redundant or only needed under heavy load
  • Reduced hybrid battery cooling performance, which may lead to a power reduction or limp mode in hot conditions
  • Audible difference in cooling fan operation, such as one fan not running when the other does
  • Possible overheating of the high-voltage battery pack during sustained driving or fast charging, triggering additional derates

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Broken, corroded, or disconnected wire in the control circuit between the battery energy control module and cooling fan 2
  2. Failed cooling fan 2 motor or internal open winding
  3. Open circuit inside the cooling fan 2 relay or control module, if equipped
  4. Loose or damaged connector pins at the fan, relay, or control module
  5. Blown fuse or fusible link that supplies power to the fan control circuit
  6. Faulty battery energy control module driver circuit, though less common
  7. Rodent damage or chafed wiring harness causing an open circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Perform a visual inspection of the cooling fan 2 wiring harness and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
  2. Check the fuse and relay associated with the cooling fan 2 circuit and replace if blown or faulty
  3. Disconnect the fan connector and use a multimeter to check for continuity and voltage on the control circuit according to the service manual
  4. Command the fan on with a scan tool and verify whether the fan runs and whether the control module sees the correct feedback
  5. If the circuit is intact, test the fan motor directly with jumper wires to confirm it operates; replace the fan if it does not
  6. Repair or replace any damaged wiring or connectors, then clear the code and verify the repair with a test drive
  7. If all external circuits and components test good, diagnose the battery energy control module and replace if necessary

Before you replace the cooling fan

  • A common oversight is assuming the fan motor is bad when the actual problem is a corroded connector or a broken wire hidden inside the loom, so always perform a continuity test before condemning the fan.
  • The code can set intermittently due to a loose ground connection for the fan circuit, which may not show up during a simple visual inspection but will appear during a wiggle test.
  • On some vehicles, the cooling fan 2 is only activated under specific conditions such as high battery temperature or fast charging, so the code may be stored without the driver ever noticing a fan malfunction.
  • A failed relay can cause an open circuit code even though the fan itself is fine, and relays are often overlooked because they are not part of the fan assembly.
  • After repairs, the code may not clear immediately because the battery energy control module needs to see a complete drive cycle with the fan commanded on before it will self-test the circuit.

Can I keep driving with P0A96?

You can usually continue driving with this code, but avoid sustained high-speed driving, heavy loads, or fast charging that would demand maximum battery cooling until the fault is repaired. If the hybrid system warning light is accompanied by a power reduction or overheating message, stop and have the vehicle inspected promptly.

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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