Powertrain, generic (extended)

P261D Coolant Pump B Control Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

With P261D the module finds the drive of coolant pump B too high, either a short to the supply side or a current above the permitted limit. VW's 2014 Touareg book uses a current test here, roughly 2.2 to 4 A as the threshold. Ford checks the component-cooling pump B of the high-temperature loop through a smart driver that reports output faults within 5 s at 11 V or more. GM's 2014-2018 hybrid tables include P261D in two fault bundles of the switchable water pump, one for control faults and one for a pump that keeps flowing. A sticking, overloaded pump can draw excess current as well, so check the pump before the module. P261A is the open circuit, P261C the low-side fault.

Likely causes

Stiff or partly seized pump drawing excess current
Control wire shorted to a battery-voltage circuit
Faulty driver stage in the engine module

Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator lamp on
  • Pump switched off for protection or running permanently
  • Possible battery drain if the pump keeps running after shutdown

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€80–700
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

P261AP261CP261EP2603

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