P261F code meaning
Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Stuck On
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P261F means
P261F means electric coolant pump A reports activity while the module has it switched off. GM's 2025 ECM table 25OBDG04B describes the test: with the pump commanded off or below 299 rpm for 2 s and more than 11 V on board, a feedback speed of 3,100 rpm or more for 8 of 10 seconds sets the code as Type B; the warning lamp follows on the second faulty trip. Bulletin 22-NA-077 shows how that can fail without a defect: on 2021-2022 Blazer, Acadia, XT5 and XT6 with the 3.6 L LGX, high engine speed pushes so much coolant through the auxiliary pump that its impeller free-spins above the limit; GM reflashes the ECM and warns against replacing the pump. Mercedes lists P261F71 on the OM651 Sprinter with vacuum leaks or a damaged water pump. P261E is pump B.
P261F at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P261F
- Check engine lamp after two faulty trips
- Usually no noticeable driveability change
- Slower warm-up when the pump really keeps running
Common causes of P261F
- Most likelyImpeller driven by main pump flow at high rpm, fixed by ECM software (GM)
- PossibleVacuum leak or contaminated switching valve of a switchable pump (Mercedes OM651)
- Less likelyPump electronics reporting wrong speed or not switching off
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Coolant pump aControl moduleWiring harness
What each part of P261F 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. |
| 1F | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P261F 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 P261F
What does P261F mean?
P261F means "Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Stuck On". P261F means electric coolant pump A reports activity while the module has it switched off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P261F?
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 P261F fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P261F 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 P261F to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P261F 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.