P26F6: Coolant Pump C Control Circuit High
Voltage on the third coolant pump control line is above the expected window. Typical causes are a short to battery or an open motor winding.
What P26F6 means
P26F6 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the cooling group. In plain English: the computer sees a voltage on that circuit that is higher than it should ever be — often an open ground, a short to power, or a failed sensor.
- 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
- 01Control wire shorted to B+Most likely
- 02Open motor windingPossible
- 03Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceLess likely
Can I drive with P26F6?
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 P26F6
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P26F6. 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 P261D, P2B68, P2DF6. 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 c and wiring harness 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: Control wire shorted to B+; open motor winding; connector pins corroded - high contact resistance. 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.
P26F6 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 C
- Wiring harness
P26F6 FAQ
What does P26F6 mean?
P26F6 means “Coolant Pump C Control Circuit High”. Voltage on the third coolant pump control line is above the expected window. Typical causes are a short to battery or an open motor winding.
Is P26F6 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P26F6 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 P26F6?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Control wire shorted to B+; Open motor winding; Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P26F6?
Typical labor is about $100–$440 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 P26F6 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 P26F6 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.