P1473
FordFan Secondary High With Fan(s) Off
The engine computer monitors the secondary cooling-fan control circuit. This code means it detected a high electrical state in that circuit while the fan or fans were meant to be off. It does not, by itself, prove the fan motor or any other part has failed. Depending on the vehicle and the underlying fault, fan operation or engine cooling may be affected.
⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)
Watch the temperature gauge or warning messages. If the engine begins to overheat, pull over safely and shut it off; do not open a hot cooling system. Keep hands and tools clear of the fans, which may start unexpectedly. If temperature stays normal and the fans operate as needed, arrange diagnosis promptly.
Common Symptoms
- There may be no noticeable symptoms if fan operation and engine temperature are unaffected.
- A fan may run when it is not expected to if the fault affects fan control.
- A fan may not respond correctly when cooling is needed if the circuit fault interferes with commanded operation.
- Engine temperature may rise, especially when the vehicle needs more cooling, if fan operation is impaired.
- Cooling performance may be affected when the vehicle relies on the fans, depending on its configuration and the fault.
Common Causes
- Damaged wiring or a connector problem may leave the secondary fan control circuit at a high electrical state.
- A relay or fan-control component may not switch the circuit as commanded, if fitted on that vehicle.
- A short to voltage or another circuit fault may cause the monitored state to remain high while the fans are off.
- A control-module fault is possible but should be considered only after the circuit and related components are tested.
Diagnostic Steps
- With the engine off and cool, note whether the code is current or stored and check for related cooling-system codes; this helps establish whether the fault is active or intermittent.
- Visually inspect accessible fan wiring and connectors for damage, loose connections, corrosion, or contact with hot or moving parts. Do not reach into the fan area.
- Check the temperature gauge and observe fan operation from a safe distance during normal use. Stop driving if the engine overheats.
- Use model-, year-, and engine-specific service information before attempting electrical tests or disconnecting components. Leave circuit testing and scan-tool fan commands to a qualified technician if you are not equipped to do them safely.
When to Call a Professional
Check the code and related data with a scan tool, then compare commanded fan operation with the reported circuit state. Inspect the applicable wiring and connectors, and test the circuit using the correct vehicle wiring information. Check any relay or fan-control hardware the vehicle uses. Do not replace the fan or control unit based on this code alone; confirm the fault before replacing parts.
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Commonly Asked Questions
Does P1473 prove that the cooling fan motor is bad?
No. It identifies a high electrical state in the secondary fan control circuit while the fan or fans were meant to be off. Wiring, a connector, a relay or control component, or the control circuit itself may be involved.
Does “high” mean the engine temperature is high?
No. Here, “high” describes the electrical state detected in the fan control circuit, not the coolant temperature.
Can I drive with this code?
That depends on whether the fans operate correctly and the engine stays at a normal temperature. Monitor the temperature closely, and stop safely if it rises or an overheat warning appears.
Why might there be no symptoms?
The circuit may have registered an abnormal state without immediately affecting fan operation. A scan-tool check and circuit diagnosis can establish whether the fault is active and whether cooling is compromised.
Should I replace the fan or relay first?
No. Confirm the circuit fault and the vehicle's fan-control arrangement before replacing parts. Exact components and test procedures depend on model, year, and engine.
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