P2260 code meaning
AIR System Control B Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2260 means
P2260 flags secondary air control circuit B sitting at too high a level, as with a short to the supply or a driver output that cannot switch. Circuit B drives the second pump, second relay or a separate air valve, depending on the engine. Where the ECM grounds the relay to switch it, a short to power means the relay can never pull in: pump or valve B stays idle, and the catalyst on that side heats up more slowly after a cold start. No manufacturer documents its threshold for circuit B; GM only lists P2260 among the codes in its connector bulletin PIP5094 (2014 and older). For circuit A, GM's 2018 tables treat 0.5 ohm or less between signal and supply, with the driver on, as a Type B fault, which shows the type of check involved. P2259 is the low-level counterpart, P2258 the same fault on circuit A.
P2260 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2260
- MIL on
- Second secondary air pump or valve does not operate after a cold start
- Increased cold-start emissions, possibly with a secondary air flow code on one bank
Common causes of P2260
- Most likelyControl wire of circuit B shorted to a battery-voltage feed
- PossibleRelay or air valve B with an open coil, depending on how the driver is diagnosed
- Less likelyOutput stage for circuit B in the engine control module defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Secondary air pumpSai relaySai wiring
What each part of P2260 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 60 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2260 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P2260
What does P2260 mean?
P2260 means "AIR System Control B Circuit High". P2260 flags secondary air control circuit B sitting at too high a level, as with a short to the supply or a driver output that cannot switch. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2260?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P2260 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2260 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P2260 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2260 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.