What Codes Will This Page Cover?
On this page, you’ll learn more about the following codes:
- P2600 Coolant Pump “A” Control Circuit/Open
- P2601 Coolant Pump “A” Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P2602 Coolant Pump “A” Control Circuit Low
- P2603 Coolant Pump “A” Control Circuit High
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What Is the P2601 Code?
The P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603 codes all have to do with your vehicle’s coolant pump “A.” This water pump is part of your general coolant system, which removes excess heat from the engine. If your vehicle has an electric water pump, the powertrain control module (PCM) will use control signals to operate that pump. These codes indicate that there’s a problem with the control circuit that the PCM uses to control your water or coolant pump system. In some vehicles, it may also refer to an auxiliary water pump rather than the primary one.
You may also be interested in P26AB Engine Coolant Bypass Valve A Stuck/Open
What Are the Symptoms of a P2601 Code?
The most visible symptom of the P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603 codes in many cases is the check engine light turning on. This code can pop up without any significant drivability symptoms, which means that your check engine light may be the only source of information you have about this code, at least for some time. Outside of this, you may also see issues with your vehicle’s coolant system; especially in warm weather, this may result in an overheating engine, which is a severe problem that you need to address as soon as possible.
What Are Some Causes of a P2601 Code?
An issue with the designated water pump is one of the most common causes of the P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603 codes. This may include general water pump failure, a faulty water pump relay, or wiring issues within and around the water pump. In some very rare cases, it may have to do with failure of the powertrain control module, but this is uncommon and will usually be accompanied by a variety of other problems.
How Serious Is the P2601 Code?
The P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603 codes should be considered quite serious. After all, if your coolant system isn’t working accurately, it means that your engine, which produces a significant amount of heat, won’t be able to cool itself down if necessary. An overheating engine is incredibly dangerous, both for your vehicle’s health and for the safety of the people within the vehicle. If you’re seeing these codes, even if they’re not currently resulting in drivability problems, it’s a good idea to get help before the issues become extremely serious.
Can I Still Drive with a P2601 Code?
You definitely should not drive with the P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603 codes active. These codes, as stated, can result in severe drivability problems over time. While these problems are more common during warm weather, they can pop up at any time – the processes that allow your vehicle to drive produce a lot of heat, so it’s important for your vehicle to have tools necessary to stay cool. Even if your vehicle doesn’t seem like it’s experiencing very severe drivability concerns, you should still avoid driving it until you can get a fix for this problem.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P2601 Code?
This diagnostic process is more straightforward than with some codes, but it can still be complicated by the fact that different makes and models will require different repair processes. In some vehicles, the P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603 codes refer to the main coolant pump, while in others, it has to do with an auxiliary pump that adds extra coolant when needed. The coolant system is also unique in different vehicles, which means that even if you know how to identify the problem in one vehicle, you might not be able to do it again in another. It’s best to talk to an expert to get a guaranteed solution for your problem.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P2601 Code?
Inspecting the P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603 codes isn’t always easy. As with most codes, you’ll need to use a scan tool to check for all error codes, look at freeze frame data, clear the codes and perform a road test, perform a visual inspection, check for operation of various components within the vehicle, and use specialty tools, such as a multimeter, to perform checks within the engine. This is a complex process, and a misstep for any of them can result in a worsening problem. If you talk to an expert instead, you’ll be certain that the problem is fixed.
Need Additional Help with Your P2601 Code?
Many people opt for extra help with the P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603 codes. These are difficult codes to fix by yourself, and if you’re worried about whether the code might result in severe engine damage, it’s best to have an expert look over the problem and give you a permanent solution.
Your first step should be to use KBB to find an auto repair shop in your area. Because of the possibility of engine overheating, finding a local repair shop is important, as it will prevent you from having to travel far to get help.
Additionally, before you take your vehicle in, you may want to run a scan to make sure you know all the problems the vehicle is indicating. If you see any other error codes, you can use the OBD-II database at KBB.com to learn more about what those error codes mean for your vehicle and what the problem may be.
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