What Does P0695 Mean?
The PCM has detected that the control circuit for cooling fan 3 is reading lower than expected voltage. Fan 3 is typically found in heavy-duty or multi-fan cooling systems (trucks, large SUVs, or vehicles with towing packages). A low circuit condition means the fan driver or relay is shorted to ground. The driver may experience reduced cooling capacity, particularly under heavy load or towing conditions.
Common Causes
30%
Failed cooling fan 3 relay with internal short to ground
25%
Short to ground in the control wiring between PCM and fan 3 relay
20%
Cooling fan 3 motor drawing excessive current due to seized bearings or shorted windings
15%
Failed PCM or fan control module output driver
10%
Water intrusion or corrosion at the relay socket or motor connector
Diagnostic Steps
1
Use the scan tool to command fan 3 on/off and monitor the control circuit voltage; it should switch between battery voltage and near-ground. A continuous low reading confirms the low circuit fault.
2
Disconnect the fan 3 relay and measure resistance from the PCM control wire to chassis ground; less than 5 ohms indicates a short to ground in the harness.
3
Inspect the fan 3 relay, relay socket, and motor connector for signs of heat damage, melted plastic, corrosion, or water intrusion.
4
With the relay removed, apply 12V directly to the fan 3 motor and measure current draw; it should be within the manufacturer's specification (typically 10-20A). Excessive draw indicates a failing motor.
5
If wiring tests good, check the PCM control driver output with an oscilloscope to determine if the PCM is pulling the circuit low when it should not be.
Estimated Repair Cost
$50 - $500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The PCM has detected that the control circuit for cooling fan 3 is reading lower than expected voltage. Fan 3 is typically found in heavy-duty or multi-fan cooling systems (trucks, large SUVs, or vehicles with towing packages). A low circuit condition means the fan driver or relay is shorted to grou...
The most common cause of P0695 (Fan 3 Control Circuit Low) is: Failed cooling fan 3 relay with internal short to ground
Typical repair costs for P0695 range from $50 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle can be driven cautiously, but avoid towing, heavy loads, or sustained high-speed driving until repaired. Monitor the temperature gauge closely. If the engine begins to overheat, stop immediately and allow it to cool.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0695 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Engine Cooling System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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