P261A code meaning
Coolant Pump B Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P261A means
P261A reports an open circuit in the drive of an auxiliary electric coolant pump labelled B. Ford's gasoline OBD summaries for 2020-2023 and 2024 define pump B as the high-temperature loop pump for component cooling and check it continuously over 5 s with at least 11 V on board. Ford's EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost of 2018 (SSM 47359) set P261A because connector C1450 at that pump could not latch fully; a pigtail kit cures it. Audi bulletin 2043142 for 2012-2016 2.0 TFSI engines (CAE, CPM) links P261A to P261C to a failing after-run circulation pump and fits an updated pump. VW's 2014 Touareg book flags it at 4.8-5.3 V on the line. P261C/P261D are the shorts, P261B the performance fault.
P261A 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 P261A
- Malfunction indicator lamp on, sometimes only sporadically
- No after-run circulation, heat soak after hot shutdown
- Component temperatures (turbo, electronics) rise
Common causes of P261A
- Most likelyPump connector not fully seated or with spread terminals
- PossibleAuxiliary pump with internal open (electronics or motor)
- PossibleBroken supply or control wire, or failed relay where fitted
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Coolant pump bPump relayWiring harness
What each part of P261A 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. |
| 1A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P261A 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 P261A
What does P261A mean?
P261A means "Coolant Pump B Control Circuit/Open". P261A reports an open circuit in the drive of an auxiliary electric coolant pump labelled B. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P261A?
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 P261A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P261A 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 P261A 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 P261A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.