P0528 Code: Fan Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal

Reviewed by

William Guzenski, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Contact Center Manager and Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on June 12th, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Summary
  • The P0528 code stands for “Fan Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal,” which means the powertrain control module can’t control the cooling fan.
  • The common causes of the P0528 code include a failed cooling fan, a defective electric fan clutch, and faulty wiring.
  • An illuminated check engine light, overheating engine, and the engine running hotter than normal are common symptoms of the P0528 code.

Vehicle radiators are equipped with a cooling fan that blows cool air, allowing the radiator to dissipate heat faster. If the P0528 code has been stored, this article will inform you about the code’s definition and common causes and symptoms.

What Does the P0528 Code Mean?

The powertrain control module is responsible for controlling the cooling fan’s speed. The cooling fan provides more cooling in situations like hot days, or when the vehicle is being driven in stop-and-go traffic where there isn’t sufficient airflow to cool the radiator. If the powertrain control module (PCM) can’t control the cooling fan, it will trigger the P0528 code. 

If your car’s PCM can’t control the cooling fan, it will trigger the P0528 code.

Getting air to flow through the radiators is important. Otherwise, the engine can overheat and lead to engine damage, which will require expensive repairs. 

Note: The definition of the P0528 code can be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition. 

What are the Common Causes of the P0528 Code?

The issues that trigger the P0528 code are commonly caused by the following issues: 

  • Failed cooling fan
  • Faulty electric fan clutch
  • Faulty wiring
  • Bad cooling fan relay or blown fuse
  • PCM failure

What are the Common Symptoms of the P0528 Code?

The problems that set a P0528 code can cause your vehicle to show the following symptoms: 

One of the common causes of the P0528 code is a blown fuse.

How to Diagnose the P0528 Code

The P0528 code might be a generic powertrain code that has a list of common causes, but you should still verify if your vehicle has those issues before you make repairs.

Diagnosing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) typically involves inspecting and testing the concerned components. Diagnosing the P0528 code might require some technical knowledge because you might need to inspect the cooling fan. Accessing and identifying the right components might also be difficult. If you don’t think you’re up to the task, then you shouldn’t hesitate to leave the task to a professional mechanic. Otherwise, you can diagnose the problem yourself. 

Check out the video below the learn more about what the diagnostic process might involve: 

How to Fix the P0528 Code

There isn’t a single solution that can fix the issues that cause a DTC because repair procedures can vary greatly between different makes and models. Letting a trusted mechanic do the job is probably the best course of action. However, if you think your automotive know-how is good enough to do the fix yourself, it’s best to follow the right steps and proper protocols to avoid any further issues down the line. Also, make sure you find the root cause first before proceeding with the repair process. 

After finding the problem, you can look at reputable internet repair resources and how-to guides like those from Chilton. You might also want to check out an ALLDATA vehicle subscription to find vehicle-specific repair information.

Where to Get Replacement Parts to Resolve Trouble Code P0528

Until you resolve your vehicle’s P0528 trouble code, you might have to say goodbye to weekend road trips and city drives. Fortunately, with CarParts.com, it won’t take long to get the parts you need so that you can get back on the road in no time.

We have everything you need to get rid of a P0528 code, including fan clutches, fan relays, and cooling fan assemblies. Simply enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model into our vehicle selector to start browsing compatible products for your ride. You can also use the search filters to find a part according to your preferred brand, price range, quantity, and more.

Get your order delivered straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days when you shop from us. All our products also come with a low-price and lifetime replacement guarantee, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank for your repairs.

Can’t shop online? We’ve got you covered. Call us anytime using our toll-free hotline, and our team of round-the-clock customer service professionals will be ready to take your order. Don’t miss out on the best deals on the market, and shop for high-quality car parts today!

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and William Guzenski, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician