P0696
Fan 3 Control Circuit High
Engine cooling / fan control
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0696 means the ECM has detected a high-voltage (open or short-to-power) fault in the control circuit for cooling fan 3. The engine itself runs normally, but the concern is cooling: if the fan can't be commanded on, the engine can overheat in slow traffic or at idle, so the temperature gauge needs watching until it's fixed.
High
Can I keep driving? The engine runs normally, but watch the temperature gauge — if the cooling fan isn't running, it can overheat in slow traffic, so limit driving if the temperature climbs.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Cooling fan not running or running at the wrong time
- Engine temperature climbing in slow traffic or at idle
- Weak air-conditioning performance when stopped
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty fan 3 relay or fan control moduleLikely
- Open or short-to-power in the fan control wiringCommon
- Corroded or loose connector in the fan circuitCommon
- Failed cooling fan motorLess often
- Faulty ECM/PCM driver (less common)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and confirm the fan won't command on.
- Check whether the fan runs when commanded (bi-directional scan tool or by jumping the relay).
- Inspect the fan relay/module, wiring, and connectors for opens and shorts to power.
- Test the fan motor directly with power and ground.
- Repair the fault, clear the code, and confirm the fan cycles correctly.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0696?+
Short trips are usually fine, but if the cooling fan isn't working the engine can overheat in traffic or at idle. Watch the temperature gauge and fix it promptly.
Can I just clear P0696?+
It returns once the ECM re-tests the fan circuit. The relay, wiring, or motor fault has to be repaired for the code to stay cleared.
Related codes
Often seen with P0696
Read & clear P0696 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX