Powertrain, generic (extended)

P26B7 Engine Coolant Bypass Valve C Control Circuit/Open

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P26B7 is the basic electrical test of the drive output for coolant bypass valve C, with an open load as its main case. The letter is not tied to one design. Ford defines valve C as the radiator bypass in the 2020–2023 and 2024–2025 editions of its gasoline OBD summary and logs P26B7 (in 2024 also as P26B7_13) once the PCM's smart driver reports an output fault, checked continuously over 5 s. Ford bulletin 16-0052 covers 2013 Escape 1.6L EcoBoost cars built up to 13 February 2013: replace the bypass valve, then reflash the PCM. GM powers its valve C through an H-bridge and stores the code after 4 s of open load within a 5 s window, Type B, in its 2019 L3B table and two 2025 tables. P26B8/P26B9 are the shorted cases. Warm-up and temperature control may suffer.

Likely causes

Failed actuator motor or coil inside bypass valve C
Unplugged, corroded or broken connector or drive wire
Engine harness chafed through near the valve
Outdated engine control software (Ford 2013 Escape 1.6L)

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Engine warms up slowly or runs warmer than usual
  • Valve C stays in its default position

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–600
Time0.5–2.5 h

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

Parts involved

coolant bypass valve csolenoidwiring harness

Related codes

P26B8P26B9P26BBP23C4P26BD

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