P2C48 code meaning
Coolant Pump C Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2C48 means
P2C48 is a performance check on coolant pump C: the pump is driven, but what it draws or delivers does not match the request. GM uses it in its diesel tables, where pump C is the electric pump of the low-temperature loop: 20OBDG04 estimates the phase current expected at the actual pump speed and flags an error above 4 A for more than 5 s (5 failures in 8 samples), 25OBDG04A above 1 A with the pump over 2,800 rpm (10 of 12); both type B, two trips. In 19OBDG07 GM assigns P2C48 to the pump for the charge air cooler, using a speed-dependent current window. Bulletin 21-NA-265 (Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 HD 2020–2022, L5P) links P2C48 and a coolant leak to the fuel cooler hose rubbing on the front drive shaft. Underspeed is P2BA0.
P2C48 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2C48
- Check engine light after two trips
- Coolant leak under the vehicle
- Higher intake air or fuel temperature, possibly reduced power
Common causes of P2C48
- Most likelyLow coolant or air in the low-temperature loop, e.g. from a chafed hose (GM 21-NA-265)
- PossibleWorn, sluggish or partly blocked pump
- PossibleFault in the pump's integrated motor electronics
- Less likelyWeak supply from the powertrain relay or poor ground
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Coolant pump cWiring harnessECM
What each part of P2C48 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| C | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 48 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2C48 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 P2C48
What does P2C48 mean?
P2C48 means "Coolant Pump C Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off". P2C48 is a performance check on coolant pump C: the pump is driven, but what it draws or delivers does not match the request. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2C48?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2C48 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2C48 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2C48 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 P2C48 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2C48 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.