P2600: Coolant Pump A Control Circuit / Open
The controller cannot drive the electric coolant pump A control line. Without circulation, engine and aftertreatment can overheat or warm up incorrectly.
What P2600 means
P2600 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the cooling group. In plain English: the computer found an electrical fault in that circuit: an open, short or bad connection, or a failed component.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Common causes
- 01Open pump motor windingMost likely
- 02Broken control wire to the pumpPossible
Can I drive with P2600?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P2600
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P2600. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P261A, P26F4. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the coolant pump a and pump relay for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Open pump motor winding; broken control wire to the pump. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P2600 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Coolant pump A
- Pump relay
- Wiring harness
P2600 FAQ
What does P2600 mean?
P2600 means “Coolant Pump A Control Circuit / Open”. The controller cannot drive the electric coolant pump A control line. Without circulation, engine and aftertreatment can overheat or warm up incorrectly.
Is P2600 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P2600 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P2600?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Open pump motor winding; Broken control wire to the pump. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P2600?
Typical labor is about $125–$375 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P2600 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P2600 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.