P0A96: Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Cooling Fan 2 Control Circuit/Open

Some packs use two cooling fans; P0A96 reports an open or general fault in the control circuit of the second one. Ford documents it code-exact: on 2005–12 Escape Hybrid and 2006–11 Mariner Hybrid the traction battery control module may store P0A96, often together with P0A81 for fan 1, and the repair is to replace both high-voltage battery fans with a kit (about 3 hours, pack removal included). Ford notes the code alone usually causes no noticeable symptom. CARB requires the electronic outputs used for battery thermal management to be monitored. Short-circuit faults on fan 2 are P0A99 and P0A9A. If one fan fails, cooling capacity drops and power may be limited in heat.

High severity. Can I keep driving?If the car still runs, drive as little as possible and go to a specialized repair shop. Do not touch the orange cables: they carry high voltage.

Symptoms

Code found during other diagnosis, often no complaint
Check engine or hybrid warning
Reduced hybrid power in hot conditions

Most likely causes

Fan 2 motor or electronics failed (Ford replaces both fans)
Loose connector or broken wire to fan 2
Blown fan fuse

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Read the codes with a hybrid-compatible scanner and write down the freeze frame data
Check the continuity of the wire between the component and the control module.
Make sure the battery cooling air intake is clean
Check the 12 V auxiliary battery, which can also trigger warnings
Leave any high-voltage measurements to a specialized repair shop

Good to know

It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P0A96 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
A: Hybrid or air and fuel
96: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0A96?

If the car still runs, drive as little as possible and go to a specialized repair shop. Do not touch the orange cables: they carry high voltage.

What causes code P0A96?

The most common causes are: fan 2 motor or electronics failed (Ford replaces both fans); loose connector or broken wire to fan 2; blown fan fuse.

Related codes

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.