P26F5 code meaning
Coolant Pump C Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P26F5 means
P26F5 reports that the control circuit of coolant pump C is pulled too low. Bentley documents the code in the engine electronics of the Continental GT/GTC and Flying Spur. Bulletin 2058340/1 (Continental 2018–2019, cars without parking heater) blames internal corrosion of the additional coolant pump that shorts it out; cars built before 15 July 2019 get a pump from another supplier together with a new bracket. Bulletins 2078799/1 to /3 (2024 V8 models) describe the code as intermittent and caused by over-sensitive self-diagnosis of the heater auxiliary pump; after checking the wiring for corrosion and coolant ingress the pump is replaced, and Bentley states that heating and engine are not affected. In both cases the MIL is lit, so the code is emission-related despite the harmless symptom.
P26F5 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.8 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P26F5
- Check engine light on
- Often no noticeable change in heating or engine behaviour
- Fault may come and go (stored as intermittent)
Common causes of P26F5
- Most likelyInternal corrosion of the pump causing a short circuit
- PossibleOver-sensitive internal diagnosis of the pump (known pump part number)
- PossibleControl wire shorted to ground or coolant in the connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Coolant pump cWiring harness
What each part of P26F5 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. |
| F5 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P26F5 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 P26F5
What does P26F5 mean?
P26F5 means "Coolant Pump C Control Circuit Low". P26F5 reports that the control circuit of coolant pump C is pulled too low. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P26F5?
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 P26F5 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P26F5 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 P26F5 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.8 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P26F5 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.