P2602 code meaning
Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P2602 means
P2602 reports that the control circuit of electric coolant pump A reads low - typically a ground short, or a matching fault report from the driver stage. Which pump is A varies: Ford's 2020-2023 gasoline OBD summary defines it as the auxiliary pump of the high-temperature loop for cabin heating, checked continuously over 5 s above 11 V; GM's 2008 3.6 L LLT table uses an after-run pump (P2602 = circuit to ground, stored only as pending code without warning light). VW's 2014 books set it below about 3.0 V on the Passat and CC and below 2.8-3.2 V on the Touareg. P2600 is the open circuit, P2601 the performance fault, P2603 the high-side fault. Without the pump, heater output or after-run cooling of a hot engine may suffer.
P2602 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 P2602
- Fault code stored; MIL depends on the maker (GM 2008 LLT table none, GM 2023 ECM table Type B)
- Weak cabin heating
- No after-run of the pump after a hot shutdown
Common causes of P2602
- Most likelyControl wire shorted to ground
- PossibleInternal fault in the electric coolant pump or its electronics
- Less likelyCoolant or water ingress into the pump connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Coolant pump aActuator wiringECM
What each part of P2602 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. |
| 02 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2602 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 P2602
What does P2602 mean?
P2602 means "Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Low". P2602 reports that the control circuit of electric coolant pump A reads low - typically a ground short, or a matching fault report from the driver stage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2602?
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 P2602 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2602 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 P2602 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 P2602 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.