P261A: Coolant Pump B Control Circuit / Open
The controller cannot drive the second electric coolant pump (B). Often used for aftertreatment, turbo cool-down, or hybrid battery loops — fault stops circulation in that loop.
What P261A means
P261A 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 P261A?
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 P261A
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P261A. 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 P2600, 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 b 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.
P261A 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 B
- Pump relay
- Wiring harness
P261A FAQ
What does P261A mean?
P261A means “Coolant Pump B Control Circuit / Open”. The controller cannot drive the second electric coolant pump (B). Often used for aftertreatment, turbo cool-down, or hybrid battery loops — fault stops circulation in that loop.
Is P261A serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P261A 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 P261A?
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 P261A?
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 P261A 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 P261A 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.