Powertrain, generic (extended)

P266F A/C Refrigerant Distribution Valve A Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

Refrigerant distribution valve A is a solenoid that opens or closes one branch of the A/C circuit, for instance a rear evaporator or a battery chiller. Its driver stage in the control module protects itself: when the output current rises above its limit or the chip overheats, it switches off and reports P266F. That usually means the load draws too much, through a shorted coil, a short in the harness or a valve that is mechanically stuck. No manufacturer documents P266F publicly; Ford lists only the open-circuit code P2611 for the same valve, and suppliers such as Egelhof build these shut-off valves as simple on/off solenoids. Unlike P2611 to P2613, which flag open and shorted wiring, P266F concerns the protection of the driver itself. The affected branch then stays closed.

Likely causes

Valve coil with shorted turns drawing excessive current
Short in the valve harness or connector
Valve mechanically stuck so the coil stays loaded
Overheated or defective driver stage in the control module

Symptoms

  • One A/C zone or the battery cooling stays inactive
  • Fault may return after cooling down

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–600
Time0.5–3 h

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

Parts involved

ac distribution valve acontrol module

Related codes

P2611P2612P2613

References: law.cornell.edu, egelhof.com, performanceparts.ford.com.