Powertrain, generic (extended)

P261C Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P261C points to a control line of coolant pump B pulled toward ground. VW's 2014 Touareg data book sets it when the signal voltage drops below 2.8-3.2 V. Ford (gasoline summaries 2020-2023 and 2024) relies on a smart driver that watches pump B, which cools components in the hot loop, and sets P261C or P261D as soon as it reports an output fault, within a 5 s window above 11 V. Audi's bulletin 2043142 (2.0 TFSI CAE/CPM, model years 2012 to 2016) names the low-side code alongside P261A and P261B and replaces the after-run pump with an updated part and bracket. GM's hybrid tables put P261C both in the control fault bundle and in the no-flow bundle of the switchable water pump. Look for chafed wires near hot parts, then for a pump with an internal short.

Likely causes

Chafed wire to ground near exhaust or engine parts
Internal short in the pump electronics, often after water ingress
Corroded connector bridging pins

Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator lamp on
  • Auxiliary pump does not run, no after-run cooling
  • Rising temperatures at turbo or electronics in heavy use

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€50–700
Time0.5–2.5 h

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

Parts involved

coolant pump bwiring harness

Related codes

P261AP261BP261DP2602

References: static.nhtsa.gov, fordservicecontent.com, fordservicecontent.com, static.nhtsa.gov.