Powertrain, generic (extended)

P261B Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

Unlike the wiring codes around it, P261B judges whether coolant pump B actually delivers when commanded. The verdict comes from pump feedback or from its effect on coolant temperatures, so the circuit can test fine while the pump does nothing. Ford's 2020-2023 and 2024 gasoline summaries list it for the component-cooling pump of the high-temperature loop, next to the circuit codes of that pump. Audi's 2.0 TFSI bulletin 2043142 (2012-2016) reports it as range/performance and traces it to a sporadically failing after-run pump that is replaced. GM's hybrid tables from 2014 group P261B with P261C in a no-flow fault bundle of the switchable water pump. Seized impellers, air in the loop or a weak pump are typical; P261E is the opposite stuck-on case.

Likely causes

Auxiliary pump motor or electronics failing intermittently
Air pocket after coolant service, pump runs dry
Impeller blocked by debris or deposits
Low coolant level

Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator lamp on
  • Engine or turbo runs hotter after shutdown, possible boiling noises
  • Heater or component cooling weak in certain conditions

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€150–800
Time1–3 h

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

Parts involved

coolant pump bpump motor

Related codes

P261AP261CP261DP261EP2601

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