What is P0696 fault code? What’s the reason for the Cooling Fan 3 Relay Control Circuit High error? How can I fix the P0696 fault? What are the symptoms, causes, and solutions for the P0696 fault code?
What is the P0696? What is Fault Code? What does it mean?
If the powertrain controller module (PCM), detects a high or improper voltage signal in the control circuit for the electric cooling fan, P0696 will trigger.
To cool vehicles’ radiators, fans with electric motors can be used. Based on the coolant temperature sensor values (ECT), these engines are turned on/off by the PCM. In other words, the PCM turns on fans when the ECT reaches a set temperature. When the ECT reaches a normal temperature, the PCM switches off the fans.
The PCM switches on the fans by sending ground signal to the cooling fan relay. The voltage signal will be close to the battery voltage when it is off. The voltage signal should be close zero when the relay is turned on and grounded. A P0696 code will be issued if the PCM detects a high voltage signal when turning on fans.
The P0696 fault code can affect vehicles of all makes and models, including but not limited to: Chevrolet, Dodge Ram, Jeep, Cadillac Fiat, Fiat, and Volkswagen.
What is the P0696 Fault Code?
Below are some reasons to set fault code P0696:
- – Defective cooling fan relay 3
- – Defective cooling fan motor 3
- – Short-circuited, damaged, melted or broken cables
- – Corroded and loose electrical connectors
- – Cooling fan fuse 3
- – If applicable, a defective cooling fan control module
- – Defective engine coolant temperature sensor
- – A PCM is not working properly or has to be reprogrammed
What are the symptoms for P0696 Malfunction Codes?
These symptoms may be present in vehicles with code P0696.
- – Illumination for the check engine light
- – Not working cooling fan
- – Engine overheating
- – Air conditioner system not working properly
- – Lower engine performance
How to Fix the P0696 Fault Code
Always test the battery voltage before you attempt to solve electrical circuit problems. The battery voltage should be between 12.6V and 13.8-14.5V when the engine is running.
A blown cooling fan fuse is the most common cause for this fault code. It is important to locate the fuse and inspect it visually before removing it. The correct amperage fuse should be used to replace the fuse if it blows. If the fuse blows once more, you should replace it with the correct amperage fuse. If the fuse blows again after the engine reaches operational temperature, it is likely that the cooling fan motor has failed. Turn the fan blades with your hand, while the engine is still running. If the blades don’t turn freely, the fan motor should be replaced.
If the fuse works, the problem is probably the cooling fan relay. There may be one relay on some vehicles, while others have two. Look at the diagram on top of the fuse box to locate the relay and fuses. You can refer to the vehicle manual for a diagram if you don’t have one. A 5-pin relay is used in most applications. These pins are identified as 85, 86 and 87, respectively. Multimeters can be used to test the reliability and stability of the relay. It is easiest to replace the relay with one that is identical. If the problem persists, replace the relay with another one. It is important to be cautious when working with moving parts.
Note: You must ensure that the relay you replace is the exact same. A wrong relay could cause damage to the PCM. The relays on Nissan vehicles are different, but they look almost identical. Although socket inputs look the same, their characteristics can be different which can cause damage to the PCM.
There are several repairs that can resolve the P0696 fault code.
- Replacing a defective cooling fan relay
- – Replacing an exploded fuse
- Repair of damaged, melted or corroded cables.
- Repair of rusty and loose electrical connectors
- – Replacement or repair of the cooling fan motor.
- – If applicable, replacing the cooling fan control module.
- – Test the coolant temperature sensor and replace it if it is not up to manufacturer specifications
- – Reprogramming or replacing the PCM
Rarely, though the fan motor may seem to be failing, fluid leaking from power steering can cause the problem. The hydraulic pressure from the power steering pump drives the cooling fan motor. This can cause problems with the motor’s performance. If this happens, the power steering leak must be fixed or replaced.
How serious is the P0696 Fault code?
Although the P0696 code doesn’t prevent the vehicle from starting it, if the problem persists the engine could overheat and cause the air conditioner to not work properly. It is important to address this code as soon as possible due to the potential damage to the engine caused by excessive heat.
