Diagnostic article Generic OBD-II
P0696: Fan relay 3 driver reports a high-circuit condition
P0696 identifies the high electrical direction of fan-relay channel 3 monitoring in this GM example.
Read before applying this article
Documented application
2009 General Motors diagnostic parameter file 09OBDG12 Engine Diagnostics.pdf. Section-specific modules and calibrations; no per-code model or engine applicability established.
The code alone does not identify a failed part or establish that a vehicle is safe to drive. Confirm the vehicle, reporting module and applicable service procedure.
P0696 is the short-to-battery classification for fan relay 3 in GM's group 12 table. The electronic output driver performs the diagnosis. A high-circuit report therefore needs to be interpreted through the driver's commanded state and feedback, rather than treated as direct evidence of excessive fan speed.
Configuration limits the meaning of relay 3
The source requires the relevant fan power stage, automatic-transmission configuration and air-conditioning configuration. These qualifications prevent a relay number in this document from becoming a universal physical location. Confirm the actual vehicle's circuit identity before selecting a relay or connector to test.
The monitored condition must persist for 3.2 seconds. Ignition-on, running-engine and battery-voltage requirements also apply, and a controller communication fault can inhibit the test. A check made under different conditions may not reproduce the stored result.
High circuit and low circuit are different classifications
The adjacent P0695 row covers ground-related or open conditions. Preserving the exact code helps keep those electrical paths separate. Neither entry measures coolant flow or proves that the engine's cooling requirement is being met.
Record the fan command, supply conditions and companion faults for the prescribed service procedure. Verification should include a completed driver check and the required fan-function assessment. Hearing a fan operate briefly, or clearing the memory, does not establish that the monitored relay channel behaves correctly in its relevant states.
Source and applicability
2009 General Motors diagnostic parameter file 09OBDG12 Engine Diagnostics.pdf. Section-specific modules and calibrations; no per-code model or engine applicability established. This explanation describes the documented monitor, not a universal repair procedure.
Article source documents
Source checks describe how the text was prepared; they do not certify a diagnosis or confirm compatibility with every vehicle using this code.
Original code reference
Dictionary definition
Fan 3 Control Circuit High
This definition retains its original catalog scope. The article above is limited to its explicitly documented application.
Reference scope
Generic OBD-II definition.
A manufacturer label does not establish the model, year, engine or module to which a diagnosis applies. Read the safety and diagnostic limits.
Definition source
- DTC Database: pinned community code definitions
Source checked · MIT