What Codes Will This Page Cover?
On this page, you’ll learn more about the following codes:
- P261A Coolant Pump “B” Control Circuit/Open
- P261B Coolant Pump “B” Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P261C Coolant Pump “B” Control Circuit Low
- P261D Coolant Pump “B” Control Circuit High
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What Is the P261B Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P261A, P261B, P261C, and P261D codes have to do with your vehicle’s coolant pump “B.” In many vehicles, especially modern vehicles, the coolant pump is controlled by an electrical current, which means that the powertrain control module (PCM) can send an electric signal to the coolant pump when it needs to remove heat from the engine. Coolant pump “B” often refers to an auxiliary pump, which is an additional pump aside from the main pump, often used in extremely high-heat situations or to help other coolant-related systems in the vehicle, such as your air conditioning system.
You may also be interested in P26AB Engine Coolant Bypass Valve A Stuck/Open
What Are the Symptoms of a P261B Code?
Many people first notice these codes due to the check engine light turning on. Even though this code has to do with the coolant system, which is a very critical system within the vehicle, it won’t always result in an overheating condition immediately, especially if it just has to do with an auxiliary pump. If there are more noticeable symptoms, those symptoms can include high engine temperatures, up to and including engine overheating. In some cases, the codes can also result in issues with your air conditioning system not cooling down quickly enough or at all.
What Are Some Causes of a P261B Code?
Most of the time, the P261A, P261B, P261C, and P261D codes are related to actual mechanical failure of the water pump. There may be a faulty component within the water pump, or you may be experiencing a faulty water pump relay. In some cases, issues with the wiring in the water pump circuitry harness can also cause this set of codes. Very rarely, you may see this code due to an issue with your PCM, but this is one of the most uncommon reasons for the code.
How Serious Is the P261B Code?
You should always consider coolant-related codes quite serious, and the P261A, P261B, P261C, and P261D codes are no different. The coolant system keeps your vehicle’s engine from creating excessive heat, which can rapidly create a dangerous environment for both the people in the vehicle and your car’s engine health. These codes are quite serious, even if they’re not currently resulting in drivability problems, because they can go from harmless to severe in the blink of an eye. Definitely get help with these codes as soon as you see them in your vehicle.
Can I Still Drive with a P261B Code?
In most cases, your vehicle will still be able to drive with the P261A, P261B, P261C, and P261D codes active. If the engine has started to overheat at any point, however, many vehicle models will restrict driving until the codes are fixed. Regardless of whether your vehicle is still physically able to drive, it’s a good idea to avoid driving when you know that they’re active. These problems can create severe issues within the vehicle that can even lead to serious injury or death. For your safety and the safety of your passengers, get help with this vehicle problem early.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P261B Code?
Diagnosing the P261A, P261B, P261C, and P261D codes is often more straightforward than with certain other extremely complex codes; the issue tends to be centralized within a specific part of your vehicle, which means there are fewer issues you have to check for before you start fixing it. However, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily easy. The coolant system has individual components within different vehicles, and these codes indicate specific issues with coolant pump “B,” which may either be the main pump or the auxiliary pump, depending on your make and model. That’s why many people choose to talk to an expert for a permanent solution.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P261B Code?
Even though this process is often easier than inspecting other error codes, you shouldn’t assume that you can inspect the P261A, P261B, P261C, and P261D codes with no experience. There are many necessary steps, ranging from using a scan tool to check for error codes to clearing codes and performing a road test to make sure they come back to using a variety of specialty tools to ensure that you know the underlying problem associated with the issue. If this doesn’t sound like something you’re skilled at doing, it may be a good idea to talk to an expert who knows how to perform this process.
Need Additional Help with Your P261B Code?
When dealing with the P261A, P261B, P261C, and P261D codes, it’s common to need extra help. After all, these codes aren’t always especially easy to fix by yourself, even if they’re usually easier than some very complex codes. An expert will be able to assess the problem and fix it for good.
If you’ve chosen to get expert help, KBB can help you find an auto repair shop in your area. It’s generally a good idea to avoid going too far with these codes active due to the risk of engine overheating. That’s why finding a local auto repair shop can be so helpful.
Many people also use their scan tools to get more insight into the problems their vehicle is facing before they visit the repair shop. The OBD-II database at KBB.com is a great place to learn more about what your vehicle’s error codes mean and what the underlying problem could be.
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