P26E4 code meaning
Starter Relay B Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P26E4 means
Stop-start systems often use a second starter relay, and P26E4 is the general circuit fault of this relay B. On GM's 12 V stop-start engines it switches the pinion of a tandem starter: the module's high-side driver flags an open circuit when, at standstill with at least 11 V, more than 200 kOhm appear toward ground in 40 of 50 samples (50 ms each); type B, so the lamp lights after two trips. FCA engines name it Starter Control 2. Jeep Compass bulletins 2019 to 2023 pair P26E4 with P0615 as a plausibility fault and failed restarts from stop-start, solved by new PCM or BCM software, and an Alfa Romeo Stelvio TCM update lists it as Starter Relay B Circuit. Low and high faults have separate codes, P26E5 and P26E6.
P26E4 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 P26E4
- Check engine light
- Engine does not restart from an automatic stop
- Stop-start function disabled, occasional no-crank
Common causes of P26E4
- PossibleOpen wire or loose terminal between module and relay B or pinion solenoid
- PossibleControl module software misjudging the circuit, update available on some FCA models
- PossibleOpen coil in relay B or in the tandem starter pinion solenoid
- Less likelyFaulty high-side driver in the engine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Starter relay bWiring harness
What each part of P26E4 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. |
| E4 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P26E4 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 P26E4
What does P26E4 mean?
P26E4 means "Starter Relay B Circuit". Stop-start systems often use a second starter relay, and P26E4 is the general circuit fault of this relay B. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P26E4?
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 P26E4 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P26E4 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 P26E4 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P26E4 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.