Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2261 Turbocharger/Supercharger Bypass Valve A - Mechanical

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

P2261 means bypass valve A of the turbocharger or supercharger, also called the recirculation valve, does not work mechanically. When the throttle snaps shut it should let charge air flow back to the compressor inlet so the compressor does not surge. GM's 2018 tables look for a valve stuck closed in coast-down: with the valve commanded open and at least 1,200 rpm, a high-pass filtered airflow signal above 30 g/s or a filtered boost slope above 500 kPa/s reveals surge; 8 failures in 10 tests give a Type B fault. GM bulletin 16-NA-020 (2016 Encore/Malibu 1.4/1.5 L) blames a sticking valve, 23-NA-033 (2023 Equinox/Terrain) an ECM whose short-circuit detection reacted to back voltage, and Kia campaign SC230 (2022 Seltos 1.6 T-GDI) a kinked recirculation hose. A flutter or rattle on lift-off is typical.

Likely causes

Bypass/recirculation valve sticking closed or with a torn diaphragm
Kinked, collapsed or wrongly routed recirculation or control hose
Electrical fault at the valve solenoid or its connector that prevents opening
Engine control module output reacting wrongly (software or hardware)

Symptoms

  • Fluttering, chuffing or rattling noise from the turbo when lifting off the throttle
  • MIL on
  • Slightly delayed boost after gear changes

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€40–900
Time0.5–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

turbo bypass valveturbochargerboost pressure sensor

Related codes

P0033P0034P0035P2263P0299

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.