My 2000 Accord has a check engine light and this is the error code that Auto Zone found. They say it's a "Thermostat Range/Performance Malfunction". The temp gauge wasn't working properly so I went a head and got a new coolant temp sensor and replaced it. No love there. The car is running fine and there are no apparent over heating issues. The temp gauge will go to about half way and stay there when the car gets warmed up. I noticed while it idles in the driveway that the passenger side radiator fan will come on and go off but the driver side does nothing. Is that normal at idle? Maybe it needs a new thermostat. Any help and direction will be most appreciated. I hate check engine lights. Thanks

 

P1486 is Cooling System Malfunction.

Was there a P0116, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Problem?

 

One fan operating with the car running is not normal. Both should run at the same time.

 

Hi redbull-1. The print out from AutoZone reads Error Code P1486. Nothing is mentioned about P0116. I wondered about the fan. I unplugged it and fooled with the wires a little to see if it was a short but it never did anything.

 

I'm going to throw a new thermostat at it. I also need to figure out the fan problem.

 

P1486 can be due to low coolant, an issue with the radiator fan circuit, or the thermostat. It may be the thermostat too; but, it sounds like there is a problem with the radiator fan.

1. Disconnect the fan switch, with a small paper clip or wire, jump the terminals on the electrical connector and turn the ignition to ON. Does both fans run? See attached photo for location of fan switch.

With the A/C on, both fans should also run.

2. If the radiator fan does not run, you add directly at 12 volt power to the Blu wire and ground to the black wire at the radiator fan connector to test the motor.

 

Thanks redbull, I will dig in and see what I can come up with. I was thinking thermostat because temp gauge will read dead cold while driving the first few miles and then suddenly jump up to normal op temp.

 

OK, I jumped the fan switch and got the passenger side fan to come on. The driver side fan was dead. I will now move on to the fan motor on the driver side to see if it's dead or if I have a wiring issue. I did plug everything back in and fired the car up with the AC on. Both fans turned for about 30 seconds or so and then both turned off. Is this normal?

 

I tried to direct wire both fans and was able to get the passenger side to fire up but not the driver side. When I turn the AC on both run. The driver side barely runs. When I give it a push it will get going but then slow down and stop until the ac compressor cycles again. I can give it a push again and it will go for a while but seems anemic.

 

Sounds like the driver's side fan motor is shot and needs replaced.