P0693Generic code

P0693 Code: Fan 2 Control Circuit Low

The P0693 code means the control circuit of cooling fan 2 shows low voltage, which points to a short to ground or a loss of supply. It can cause weak cooling in hot weather or under load. Check the fuse, relay, connector and wiring before replacing any part.

Severity
High
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$30 to $500
Difficulty
Medium
System
Computer and Outputs
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

On this page

What the P0693 code means

Many vehicles have two fans or a two-speed fan, and the computer controls them separately based on temperature and A/C use.

The computer watches the control circuit from its own driver transistor. The P0693 code tells you the voltage in that circuit is low, which means a short to ground or a loss of supply. Before you replace any part, check the fuse, the relay, the connector and the wiring, because those are the most common causes.

If the second fan fails, cooling may still be enough in normal conditions, but not in hot weather, under heavy load or with the A/C on.

To confirm the fault, unplug the fan with the key on and watch what happens to the reading or the code. If the value jumps to the opposite extreme, the wiring is fine and the fan is the part pulling the signal to ground. If nothing changes, look for the short in the wire itself, starting where the harness rubs against the engine, the chassis or the exhaust.

P0693 code symptoms

  • Check engine light or another warning light on.
  • Not enough cooling in hot weather or under load.
  • High temperature in hot weather or with the A/C running.

Likely causes of the P0693 code

  1. Control wire shorted to ground. The fan may stay on all the time, or the computer cuts the command to protect itself.
  2. Interrupted supply: a blown fuse, a faulty relay or a cut wire.
  3. Shorted fan motor or relay. The resistance is far lower than specified.
  4. Connector with moisture, which creates a path to ground.

How to diagnose the P0693 code step by step

  1. Command the fan with the scan tool and check whether it responds.
  2. Check the fuse and the relay. Measure voltage on both sides of the fuse, and swap the relay with an identical one.
  3. Measure the supply at the connector. You should see battery voltage with the key on or when the fan is commanded.
  4. Measure the fan resistance and compare it with the manual. Also check the insulation to ground.
  5. Check the control wire for continuity all the way to the computer and for any short circuits.

How to fix the P0693 code

  • Repair the connector, the wiring or the power supply.
  • Replace cooling fan 2 if it does not respond when it has correct power and a correct control signal.
  • Clear the P0693 code and verify the repair with a test drive and a check that the fan turns on.

Technical reference data

  • Typical current draw: 10 to 30 amps.
  • Reference values only: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

The source reports this code as common on GM and Chrysler vehicles. The same fuse, relay, connector and wiring checks apply on both.

P0693 on GM

Common on GM. Check the fuse, relay and connector before replacing the fan.

P0693 on Chrysler

Common on Chrysler. Follow the same checks of the supply, the control wire and the fan itself.

Frequently asked questions about P0693

What does the P0693 code mean?
It means the control circuit of cooling fan 2 has low voltage. The cause is a short to ground or a loss of supply.
Can I drive with a P0693 code?
Only with caution. The engine can run hotter than it should, especially in slow traffic or hot weather, so watch the temperature gauge and get it checked soon.
What does cooling fan 2 do?
Many vehicles have two fans or two speeds, and the computer controls them separately based on temperature and A/C use.
Do I always have to replace the part?
No. Check the fuses, relays, connectors and wiring first, because they cause most of these codes and cost very little to fix.
How much does it cost to fix P0693?
As a rough guide, between $30 and $500, depending on whether it is a fuse, a relay, a wiring repair or a new fan.

Related codes

Questions about the P0693 code

There are no questions about this code yet. Tell us about your case: vehicle, symptoms and what you have already checked.