What Is the P0495 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The definition of code P0495 is “Fan 1 Overspeed,” although, in some vehicles, it may also show up as “Fan Speed High.” This “fan” is the cooling fan, usually mounted on the radiator, which helps your vehicle regulate engine temperature. When you see this code, it indicates that your powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has identified that the fan is spinning too quickly outside of specific manufacturer parameters. Because this is a generic powertrain code, it can show up in just about any OBD-II-equipped vehicle.
More About the P0495 Code
Your cooling fan is only a small component of the process that allows your PCM or ECM to monitor and regulate the engine temperature. When your engine temperatures get especially high — for example, when you’re idling in stopped traffic — the ECM or PCM will send a signal to turn on the cooling fan. If ambient airflow is enough to keep temperatures down, such as when you’re cruising down a highway, it will instead send a signal to turn off the fan. This code indicates that the fan is pulling more voltage from the battery than generally expected, which can mean the fan is moving too quickly or otherwise malfunctioning.
Who Has the Lowest Price?
Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
What Are the Symptoms of a P0495 Code?
The first symptom of the P0495 code you should expect is that the check engine light will turn on. In some cases, this may be the only issue related to the code. However, outside of this issue, you could also hear the cooling fans running continuously, and the temperature gauge for your engine may also indicate that the engine is running too hot, possibly resulting in engine overheating and generally poor performance, as well as loud engine noises. In some cases, your air conditioning unit will be disabled by the ECM. Some vehicles could also see poor fuel mileage and issues with general engine performance.
What Are Some Causes of a P0495 Code?
DTC P0495 is a symptom code, which means you’re going to have to do some digging to determine the core issue related to the code. There are many possible causes of this code. For example, you could be dealing with a bad engine cooling fan or a bad electro-viscous fan clutch. You could see a faulty engine cooling fan relay. Wiring problems related to the fan, including water damage to electrical systems or corroded connections in the wiring harness, can also result in this code. A weak battery or PCM issues can result in this code, although this is uncommon. In general, there are quite a few issues related to this engine code, and determining the core issue will likely take you some time.
How Serious Is the P0495 Code?
The P0495 code can be extremely serious. Even though it doesn’t seem like your clutch fan would be a hugely important part of your engine, the high-speed condition can result in general function issues with your engine. These issues can make your vehicle sound like a jet engine and result in high engine RPM and other possibly harmful symptoms. By committing to the repair steps necessary for you to return your vehicle back to full function, you can avoid a more stressful auto repair experience down the line.
Can I Still Drive with a P0495 Code?
You may physically be able to drive with the P0495 code on. However, any time your check engine light or other malfunction indicator lamp turns on, it’s very important that you rectify the situation as soon as possible. Even though this code may not result in a no-start or no-crank condition, you’re likely to see reduced engine power lights, which can make it harder for you to drive, and it’s also common to see reduced fuel efficiency, which can mean you’re spending more money to drive your car in general. When you see DTC P0495, it’s a good idea to avoid driving until you fix the problem.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0495 Code?
Diagnosing the P0495 code can be difficult. You will probably need more than your basic tools; you may need an overall knowledge of the fan system, access to your vehicle’s service manual, and information from a diagnostic flow chart, which can help you rule out specific possible problems based on how likely they are. Trying to find answers from sites online also may not be helpful, as each individual vehicle will have different diagnostic steps. It’s better to rely on the qualifications of experts for this one.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0495 Code?
As with diagnosis, it can be hard to inspect a P0495 code because of all the possible causes that can be related to this code. If you’re inspecting the P0495 code, you’ll need to put a significant amount of work into it, and there are unlikely to be any quick answers. If you have to determine your next steps for the P0495 code, it’s probably best to talk to qualified professionals instead of looking for an answer from sites online.
Need Additional Help with Your P0495 Code?
Whether you’re checking blades for damage or fixing wiring problems, the P0495 code can do with additional help. No matter what kind of diagnostic procedure your vehicle ends up needing, an expert can help.
First, you’ll want to find an auto repair shop in your area. Finding a local repair shop with highly rated, verified experts will ensure that you get a fix the first time, with no worries about a possible mechanical failure in the future.
You may also want to check out the OBD-II database. This database can help you learn more about any codes in your vehicle, regardless of what they happen to be. That way, if you’re seeing multiple engine codes on your scan tool, you’ll be prepared for possible fixes in the future.
P0495 Q&A
Common Error Codes
Browse All OBD-II Codes
Get Recall Alerts
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.