P0695🔧 Engine cooling (electric radiator fan)Stop and fix promptly

P0695: Cooling Fan 3 Relay Control Circuit Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0695 means

Some vehicles use several electric fans to pull air through the radiator when the car isn't moving fast enough to cool it, such as in stop-and-go traffic, on hot days or with the A/C on. The powertrain computer (PCM) switches the fans on and off based on the engine coolant temperature sensor. OBD-Codes.com explains that the PCM turns a fan on by grounding its relay's control circuit: that circuit sits near battery voltage when the fan is off and near zero when the fan is commanded on. P0695 is set when the PCM sees the voltage low while cooling fan 3 is off. RepairPal defines the code a little more broadly as 'Fan 3 Control Circuit Low' and says the PCM sets it when it can't control the cooling fan as desired. It is a generic code for 1996 and newer vehicles, and repair steps vary by make and model. The sources differ on symptoms: OBD-Codes.com lists engine overheating and the check engine light, while RepairPal also says the fans may stay on all the time and the A/C may not work. They also differ on causes: OBD-Codes.com names the fan 3 relay, a blown fan 3 fuse and, rarely, the PCM, while RepairPal adds a failed fan control module, a failed fan motor and wiring problems. P0696 is the matching 'circuit high' code for fan 3, and P0691 to P0694 are the same codes for cooling fans 1 and 2.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it fixed soon. OBD-Codes.com says overheating from cooling fans that don't run is very probable, so use caution driving and repair it as soon as possible. RepairPal rates P0695 Urgent, meaning immediate action is needed.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. Blown cooling fan 3 fuse (OBD-Codes.com says this is the most common cause in the author's experience)
  2. Faulty cooling fan 3 relay (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)
  3. Failed cooling fan motor (RepairPal; OBD-Codes.com says a fuse that blows once the engine warms up points to the fan motor)
  4. Failed engine cooling fan control module (RepairPal)
  5. Wiring problem (RepairPal; OBD-Codes.com says a fuse that blows right away points to a short between the fuse and relay)
  6. Faulty engine computer (PCM), which OBD-Codes.com says is rare (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Check the cooling fan fuse first (your owner's manual or the fuse box lid shows which one). You can usually tell a blown fuse by looking at it. Replace it only with one of the same amperage.
  2. If the new fuse blows, note when. OBD-Codes.com says a fuse that blows immediately points to a direct short between the fuse and the relay, while one that blows when the engine reaches operating temperature points to the fan motor.
  3. With the engine and key off, try spinning the fan blades by hand. OBD-Codes.com says they should spin freely; a fan that won't turn has a seized motor that needs replacing.
  4. If the fuse is good, OBD-Codes.com says the relay is the most likely problem; if a new relay doesn't fix it, suspect the PCM.
  5. Use caution around hot parts and fans that can start on their own, and watch the temperature gauge while this code is set.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The engine is overheating or the temperature gauge is climbing
  • A replacement fuse blows again
  • A new relay doesn't clear the code
  • Your car uses a cooling fan control module instead of simple relays

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0695?

Only with care. OBD-Codes.com says overheating from cooling fans that don't run is very probable and it should be repaired as soon as possible, and RepairPal rates it Urgent. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and stop if it climbs.

What is the most common cause of P0695?

OBD-Codes.com's author says a blown cooling fan fuse is the most common cause in their experience. RepairPal lists the fan control module, the fan motor, the fan relay, the PCM and wiring.

What's the difference between P0695 and P0696?

Both are about the cooling fan 3 relay control circuit. P0695 is the 'circuit low' code; per OBD-Codes.com it sets when the voltage is low while fan 3 is off. P0696 is the matching 'circuit high' code.

How much does it cost to fix P0695?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0695. A fuse or relay is a much smaller job than a fan assembly or engine computer, so find the cause before buying parts.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0695 Cooling Fan 3 Relay Control Circuit Low (Daniel Young, ASE Master Technician)
  2. RepairPal: P0695 Fan 3 Control Circuit Low (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.