P260C code meaning
PTO Control Circuit High
What P260C means
P260C signals that the PTO control output reads too high, usually because the relay control line touches a powered wire or the relay coil draws too much current. GM lists it as P260C.00, a high voltage on the PTO relay control line, in the diagnostic table of the PTO module that GM fitted to Silverado and Sierra 3500 HD chassis cab trucks from 2008 to 2014. Since that module switches the relay on both its feed and its ground side, a short to voltage can leave the relay pulled in when it should have dropped out. Body builders splice into this circuit, so their added wiring is the likely suspect. CARB lets the OBD system pause selected monitors while a PTO runs, so a wrong PTO state matters beyond the work equipment. P260B is the low-side code, P260A the open circuit.
P260C at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P260C
- PTO will not engage or will not release
- PTO indicator behaves abnormally
Common causes of P260C
- Most likelyRelay control wire shorted to a powered circuit
- PossibleRelay or solenoid coil with too low resistance
- PossibleFaulty splice or add-on wiring from the body installation
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Pto engagement solenoidPto relayWiring harness
What each part of P260C 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. |
| 0C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P260C 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 P260C
What does P260C mean?
P260C means "PTO Control Circuit High". P260C signals that the PTO control output reads too high, usually because the relay control line touches a powered wire or the relay coil draws too much current. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P260C?
P260C does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P260C fail an emissions test?
P260C is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P260C 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 P260C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.