Hyundai Repair: error code P0480, open circuits, catlyst

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have a 2006 Sonata, 3.3. A few months ago MIL came on.
P0480. I know that has to do with the cooling fan circuit
malfunction. Wasn't too worried about it at that time.
being winter I figured it wouldn't be that big of a deal.
I scanned again this weekend.
P0480
O INC
7READY
fuel comp catlyst
evap 02 sensor
02 htr
Is there a way these are related or are we looking
at two different issues?
I know the circuit malfunction could be an open circuit,
bad ground,bad fan or bad relay.
What is the best way to test to see which it could be?
Is there a separate fuse for the fan.
I was told to take two wires from the battery to the fan
to see if it works. If it does work then you have at least eliminated one thing. Good idea?

Thanks in advance
Tim

ANSWER: Hi, Tim.  It's not clear to me what two items you're referring to when you ask if they're related.  I see only one problem-- a check engine lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0480.

First, check the 60A cooling fan fuse in the underhood junction block.  If this is blown, you'll need to check to see where there may be a short.  It's important to do this step prior to directly wiring to the fan, since if the fan motor itself is shorted, you could generator enough heat to injure yourself or start a fire.

Next, I'd start the engine and turn on the A/C to see whether the fan runs.  If not, I'd swap the cooling fan relay with another relay that's identical.  If the fan now works and the device controlled by the other relay doesn't, then the relay is the problem.

If you want to be thorough, you'll also need to check the wiring of the circuits to be sure there are no open circuits, but this is very rarely the issue.  

If you've done the checks I've described and directly wired the fan and verified it runs and operates normally, then the problem is most likely in the fan control module located on the outside of the front of the left frame rail.  In fact, this is the most frequent issue causing this DTC.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi,
Just wanted to keep you updated. I took off the headlight and
and found the fan module. There was a wire that wasn't tight.
I put it back on. I turned on the ac and the fan worked.
However the code is still there. I will run it tomorrow and
see if it clears. If it doesn't are we still looking at the relay
or maybe a temp. sensor , or possibly still a short? All the
other wires look ok.

Answer
It'll take quite some time for the code to clear on its own.  Disconnect the battery for ten seconds and reconnect.  This should clear all DTCs in the engine control module (ECM).  If the code returns, you'll know it isn't fixed (and the problem could still be any of the things I listed, but not a temperature sensor).  If the check engine lamp stays off, you've fixed the problem.