P261E code meaning
Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Stuck On
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P261E means
P261E covers the case where coolant pump B keeps working although the module has commanded it off. That can be an output that stays energised, a relay with welded contacts, or, on switchable mechanical pumps, a shroud or valve that no longer closes, so coolant circulates during warm-up. GM's 2014-2018 hybrid tables name P261E only in the flow-stuck-on fault bundle of the switchable water pump, which also blocks the thermostat check P0128; GM does not publish its threshold there. No other manufacturer documents P261E publicly. Its counterpart for pump A, P261F, is set by GM when the feedback speed stays high while the pump is off. A stuck-on pump slows warm-up, raises fuel use and can drain the battery after shutdown.
P261E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P261E
- Engine warms up slowly, heater stays cool longer
- Pump audible after the engine is switched off
- Warning lamp and possibly a thermostat code
Common causes of P261E
- PossiblePump relay with welded contacts or output stage stuck on
- PossibleSwitchable pump shroud or vacuum/solenoid valve not closing
- Less likelyControl line shorted to battery voltage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Coolant pump bControl moduleWiring harness
What each part of P261E 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. |
| 1E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P261E 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 P261E
What does P261E mean?
P261E means "Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Stuck On". P261E covers the case where coolant pump B keeps working although the module has commanded it off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P261E?
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 P261E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P261E 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 P261E to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P261E clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.