Powertrain, generic (extended)

P26F1 Starter Relay A Stuck Off

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P26F1 is the opposite case to P26F0: the module commands starter relay A on, but the expected reaction never arrives, so the starter receives no power. Possible reasons are burnt or contaminated contacts, a coil that no longer pulls in, or a missing feed on the load side, for example a blown fuse or a loose battery cable at the relay. No maker documents P26F1 publicly. As reference points remain FCA, whose Jeep bulletins treat its two starter relays as separately monitored outputs and describe intermittent no-crank conditions, and GM, whose 2018 tables monitor the starter relay A driver. Because a dead relay looks like a dead starter, check whether the starter terminal receives voltage during cranking before replacing the motor.

Likely causes

Burnt or dirty contacts in starter relay A
Blown fuse or loose power cable on the load side of the relay
Relay coil no longer pulling in
Feedback wire to the module interrupted

Symptoms

  • Engine does not crank, or only after several attempts
  • Check engine light
  • No restart after an automatic stop

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€20–400
Time0.3–2 h

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

Parts involved

starter relay astarter motor

Related codes

P26F0P26F3P0615P0616

References: law.cornell.edu, static.nhtsa.gov, gsi.ext.gm.com.