The diagnostic code P0480 is applied to the motor cooling fan circuit. When the car is running, the necessary amount of air passes through the radiator. When a stop is made and no air circulates to the engine, the temperature starts to rise.
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects this temperature increase through the CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor), which is located near the thermostat. If the temperature reaches 223 degrees ° F, the PCM directs the cooling fan relay to turn on the fan, which is connected by a supply from the ground to the relay.
If there is a fault within the fan circuit (and thus the motor overheats at a slow speed, since the PCM attempts to activate the fan), the result is the DTC code P0480.