Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2CB3 Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump B Stuck/Stalled

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P2CB3 is reported when charge air cooler pump B receives power and a command but its rotor does not turn. The pump's own electronics usually detect this from current flowing without rotation and pass the result to the engine module. No manufacturer documents P2CB3 publicly. Ford's 2024 gasoline OBD summary uses the same fault type, 71 (actuator stuck), for its auxiliary coolant pump B (P2B63), checked continuously from 11 V over 5 s. Audi bulletin 2080825 shows a typical trigger on pump A (P2BC1): the V188 pump of 2025–2026 A5, S5 and Q5 can stick after the car stood unused for over two months. Seized bearings, debris, frozen coolant or a burnt winding are other causes. A pump that turns, only too slowly, sets P2CB2.

Likely causes

Rotor stuck after a long period without use
Debris or deposits jamming the impeller of pump B
Burnt winding or failed drive electronics in the pump
Coolant frozen because of insufficient antifreeze

Symptoms

  • MIL on, often with a reduced-power message
  • No flow in the second branch of the charge air cooling loop

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–800
Time0.3–2.5 h

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

Parts involved

cac coolant pump bwiring harnessecm

Related codes

P2BC1P2CB2P2CB4P2CB5P2B63

References: law.cornell.edu, fordservicecontent.com, static.nhtsa.gov.