Fan 3 Control Circuit High
The PCM detected a high voltage condition in the Cooling Fan 3 relay control circuit, indicating the relay is not responding to commands properly or there is an electrical fault in the circuit. This prevents the cooling fan from operating normally, risking engine overheating during extended driving.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light illuminated
- Engine running hotter than normal
- Cooling fan not operating or running continuously
- Potential engine overheating after extended driving
- No symptoms at idle or during short trips
Most Common Causes
- 1
Faulty Cooling Fan 3 Relay
The relay is stuck open or has internal contact failure, preventing the PCM from controlling the cooling fan circuit properly. This is the most common cause of this code.
- 2
Blown Cooling Fan 3 Fuse
The fuse protecting the cooling fan 3 circuit has blown, breaking the control signal path and causing the circuit voltage to remain high.
- 3
Wiring or Connector Issue
Corroded, damaged, or loose connections in the cooling fan relay circuit can create resistance and prevent proper relay operation.
- 4
Faulty PCM
Rarely, the powertrain control module itself may have a faulty output driver for the cooling fan relay circuit, though this is uncommon.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Faulty Cooling Fan 3 Relay — The relay is stuck open or has internal contact failure, preventing the PCM from controlling the cooling fan circuit properly. This is the most common cause of this code.
- 2
Check Blown Cooling Fan 3 Fuse — The fuse protecting the cooling fan 3 circuit has blown, breaking the control signal path and causing the circuit voltage to remain high.
- 3
Check Wiring or Connector Issue — Corroded, damaged, or loose connections in the cooling fan relay circuit can create resistance and prevent proper relay operation.
- 4
Check Faulty PCM — Rarely, the powertrain control module itself may have a faulty output driver for the cooling fan relay circuit, though this is uncommon.
How to Fix It
- 1
Replace Cooling Fan 3 Relay
Locate the relay in the fuse/relay box (refer to vehicle manual for location), remove the faulty relay, and install a new relay with the same part number. This resolves the majority of P0696 codes.
- 2
Replace Cooling Fan 3 Fuse
Inspect the fuse in the fuse box for the cooling fan 3 circuit. If blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating. If it blows again, investigate the circuit for a short.
- 3
Inspect and Repair Wiring and Connectors
Check all connectors and wiring associated with the cooling fan 3 relay circuit for corrosion, damage, or loose connections. Clean corroded contacts and reseat connectors, or repair/replace damaged wiring as needed.
- 4
Test and Replace PCM if Necessary
If the relay, fuse, and wiring are all functional, use a diagnostic scan tool to verify PCM output commands and voltages. A faulty PCM output driver will require PCM replacement or reprogramming.
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