P0480 on Mitsubishi: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit
1 Mitsubishi model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
P0480 on Mitsubishi by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
A relay supplier used an improper maintenance procedure on its welding machine, so internal welds inside several relays used in the Outlander's engine-bay relay box were made incorrectly and can lose proper electrical conduction. Depending on which relay is affected, the result differs: failure of the engine control unit relay kills the engine while driving and the vehicle cannot be restarted; failure of the relay feeding the MIVEC variable valve lift assembly triggers a check engine light and reduced power; failure of the radiator fan relay stops the cooling fan and lets the engine overheat. Because it is a manufacturing defect in a specific production batch rather than a wear item, failures show up suddenly and at low mileage.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls while driving and will not restart
- Check engine light with reduced engine power
- Engine overheats because the radiator fan never comes on
- No crank / no start after the vehicle sat
- Intermittent complete electrical dropout of one system
How to Fix
Covered by NHTSA safety recall 17V609000 (Mitsubishi campaign SR-17-005) — the dealer replaces the affected relays free of charge regardless of mileage or ownership history. Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls; if the campaign was never performed, book it before chasing the symptom. Outside the recall population, a stall-and-no-restart on these cars is worth testing at the relay box first (swap in a known-good identical relay) before condemning the ECU, crank sensor or fuel pump — relays are a fraction of the cost of the parts they mimic.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0480 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0480 mean on a Mitsubishi?
P0480 stands for "Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit." P0480 indicates a fault in the engine control module's circuit that operates cooling fan 1 (or the fan relay it drives). The computer detected an open, short, or out-of-range condition in the fan control output. Because the cooling fan helps prevent the engine from overheating — especially at idle, low speeds, or with the A/C on — a fan that won't run can lead to high coolant temperatures. It is worth addressing fairly promptly to avoid overheating, particularly in hot weather or stop-and-go traffic. On Mitsubishi it is documented across 1 model: Outlander.
What are the most common causes of P0480?
The most common causes of P0480 are: Faulty cooling fan relay, Failed cooling fan motor, Wiring damage, shorts, or corroded connectors in the fan circuit, Blown fuse or fusible link for the fan, Poor ground for the fan motor or relay, Faulty fan control module (where used), PCM driver circuit fault (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0480 on a Mitsubishi?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Mitsubishi model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for P0480 on a different make?
View P0480 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.