P2600 code meaning
Coolant Pump A Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P2600 means
P2600 means the controller sees an open circuit on the line that drives electric coolant pump A, directly or through its relay. GM's 2023 ECM table tests the auxiliary coolant pump relay output while it is off: more than 200 kOhm for 5 of 6 seconds sets the code as Type B, so the MIL follows after two trips. On Ford's 2020-2023 gasoline engines pump A serves the cabin heating loop. Hyundai traces P2600 on 2016-2019 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid to an internal open or short in the electric engine water pump or to low coolant; Kia found water seeping into the housing of the auxiliary pump on early 2019 Niro hybrids, and Audi chafed gearbox wiring on 2023 A6/S6. P2602 and P2603 are the low and high faults, P2601 the function check.
P2600 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2600
- MIL or hybrid warning lamp on
- Little or no cabin heat
- Rising coolant temperature in hybrid or after-run operation
Common causes of P2600
- Most likelyInternal open circuit in the electric pump or its electronics
- PossibleWater or coolant ingress causing poor contact at the pump
- PossibleChafed or broken control wire, loose connector or failed relay
- Less likelyCoolant level too low (named by Hyundai as possible trigger)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Coolant pump aPump relayWiring harness
What each part of P2600 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 6 | Area: computer (engine control module) and output circuits. |
| 00 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2600 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 P2600
What does P2600 mean?
P2600 means "Coolant Pump A Control Circuit/Open". P2600 means the controller sees an open circuit on the line that drives electric coolant pump A, directly or through its relay. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2600?
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 P2600 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2600 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 P2600 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2600 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.