Powertrain, generic (extended)

P26A2 Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

The high case of the exhaust glow plug load circuit is set when the monitored point sits too close to supply voltage. Depending on how the module measures, this means the heater circuit is shorted to another positive feed or the element draws almost no current, so the voltage barely drops across it. The plug then stays cold or cannot be switched off. Public manufacturer data for P26A2 are lacking. The known user of the neighboring glow plug codes, the Ford Transit 3.2 L diesel, reports a high reading on its vaporizer glow plug control circuit as P269E. CARB treats such heaters as output components that must be monitored for circuit faults. Expect a lit MIL and limited particulate filter regeneration until the circuit is repaired.

Likely causes

Glow plug feed shorted to another battery-fed circuit
Element with greatly increased resistance near the end of its life
Glow plug relay contacts stuck closed

Symptoms

  • MIL on
  • Exhaust dosing and regeneration limited

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–450
Time0.5–2 h

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

Parts involved

aftertreatment glow plug

Related codes

P269FP26A0P26A1P269E

References: law.cornell.edu, fordservicecontent.com.