P26AE code meaning
Engine Coolant Bypass Valve B Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P26AE means
With P26AE the valve B drive output sees voltage where it expects none, typically a short to battery. GM's 2016 Volt table again applies it to the second drive line of the one bypass valve: the VICM sets it when driver 2 flags a short to high while the valve is stopped or commanded low, after 16 failures in 20 samples at 100 ms, Type B. Ford's 2024–2025 gasoline summary lists P26AE as the short-to-battery case of the active transmission cooling valve, also filed as P26AC_12, detected when the smart driver reports a fault for 5 s. A pinched harness touching a supply wire or an internally shorted valve motor are the main causes; drivers often protect themselves by switching off, so the valve stops moving.
P26AE at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P26AE
- Check engine light
- Valve stays in its last position
- Transmission or cabin temperature control off target
Common causes of P26AE
- Most likelyDrive wire shorted to a battery-voltage wire
- PossibleInternally shorted valve motor or solenoid drawing excess current
- Less likelyDamaged output stage in the control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Coolant bypass valve bSolenoidWiring harness
What each part of P26AE 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. |
| AE | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P26AE 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 P26AE
What does P26AE mean?
P26AE means "Engine Coolant Bypass Valve B Control Circuit High". With P26AE the valve B drive output sees voltage where it expects none, typically a short to battery. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P26AE?
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 P26AE fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P26AE 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 P26AE to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P26AE clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.