Code
P1673
PORSCHE
P — Powertrain
Fan output stage
Views:
UK: 1
EN: 2
RU: 1
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Blown fuse or failed fan relay
- Open or shorted wiring between ECU and fan motor/relay
- Corroded or loose connector at fan motor or control module
- Failed cooling fan motor (stalled or high current draw)
- Failed fan driver/transistor or control module (internal output stage)
- Intermittent ground or poor chassis ground connection
Symptoms
- Cooling fan(s) do not operate when commanded (engine may overheat)
- Fan runs continuously or at incorrect speeds
- Engine temperature fluctuations or overheating
- MIL (check engine light) illumination with stored P1673
- Reduced AC cooling performance
- Occasional fan clicks or intermittent operation
What to check
- Read freeze frame and any additional stored codes; note engine temperature and battery voltage at time of fault
- Visual inspection: fuses, relays, fan connectors, wiring harness for damage, corrosion or melted insulation
- Verify correct battery voltage at battery and at fan connector with ignition ON and with fan commanded on
- Using a scan tool, command the fan ON and observe status/feedback and any changes in DTCs
- Listen for relay clicks when commanding fan; check relay socket for voltage when commanded
- Measure resistance of fan motor (with connector disconnected) and compare to specification; check for internal short to ground
Signal parameters
- Command type: PWM or switched battery output from control module to fan/relay (vehicle-dependent)
- Expected control voltage: near battery voltage (~12–14.5 V) when fan is commanded fully ON (switched output)
- PWM duty cycle: 0–100% depending on requested speed (if PWM-controlled)
- PWM frequency: typically in the tens to low hundreds of Hz (vehicle dependent)
- Expected motor current: can range widely by model; typical single fan 5–40 A when running — verify with vehicle specifications
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a competent scan tool, read DTCs and freeze-frame data. Note engine coolant temperature and battery voltage when code set.
- Perform quick visual inspection: fuses, relays, fan connectors, wiring for damage, corrosion or melting. Repair obvious issues and retest.
- Using the scan tool, command the cooling fan ON and observe whether the module reports an output request and whether the fan responds.
- While commanding the fan, check for battery voltage at the fan motor power terminal and for a good ground at the motor return. If no voltage at motor, trace back to relay/fuse and control module.
- If voltage is present at the connector but fan does not run, disconnect fan and bench-test motor directly to battery (briefly, with proper safety) to confirm motor operation.
- If motor runs when directly powered but not when commanded, inspect relay and control wiring. Verify relay function and replace if suspect. Check for PWM signal at module output when applicable.
- If fan draws excessive current or stalls, replace fan motor assembly and retest.
- If wiring, relay and motor are good but the control module does not provide correct output (no command or abnormal signal), suspect internal output stage failure in the module. Verify with wiring diagrams and consider module repair/replacement.
- Clear codes, perform thermal test (run engine to normal operating temp with A/C on and verify fan operation) and confirm code does not reappear.
- Replace only the failed component(s) identified by testing. After repair, clear codes and recheck system operation under load and temperature cycles.
Likely causes
- Blown fuse or relay
- Open/short or high-resistance connector at fan motor
- Faulty fan motor drawing excessive current or not turning
- Faulty fan driver inside the control module/ECU
Fault status
Status
Fan output stage fault detected — check fan motor, relay/fuse, wiring and control module output.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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