P1520 — Radiator Fan Relay 1 Circuit High Input

CAUTIONIs it safe to drive? Drive gently and get it looked at soon — it can worsen or fail inspection.

What P1520 means

This is a manufacturer-specific code — its meaning depends on the vehicle’s make (see below).

What P1520 means on specific makes

Heads up: P1520 is a manufacturer-specific code, so the same number means different things by make.

Subaru CAUTION

Fault in the radiator (cooling) fan relay 1 control circuit, reading high. Can mean the fan isn't being commanded correctly — watch for overheating risk if the fan won't run.

  1. Failed cooling fan relay ($20-60)
  2. Fan motor / wiring fault
  3. Connector corrosion

Check first: Test the fan relay and that the fan actually runs when commanded; verify coolant temp doesn't climb. Treat as caution toward overheating.

Source: obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/subaru

BMW / Mini CAUTION

Exhaust-side VANOS adjuster fault. On E46/E39 6-cylinders, the exhaust camshaft position sensor is a notably common failure that throws this before VANOS itself.

  1. Exhaust camshaft position sensor (OEM) ($60-150)
  2. VANOS seals/solenoid ($50-250)
  3. Wiring to the exhaust CPS
  4. VANOS unit wear

Check first: On E46 try the exhaust CPS first (cheap, common). If OEM sensor doesn't fix it, suspect VANOS seals.

Source: JustAnswer BMW Z3 M52TU P1519/P1520; BimmerFest

Related codes

P1521P0480
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