AutoCodes – GMC – P026A 2016 GMC Sierra

P026A 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Charge Air Cooler Low Efficiency

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the ambient air temperature, and the charge air temperature before and after the Charge Air Cooler to calculate the efficiency of the Charge Air Cooler (CAC). Common causes include Faulty Charge Air Cooler, Charge Air Cooler harness is open or shorted, Charge Air Cooler circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P026A 2016 GMC Sierra indicates Charge Air Cooler Low Efficiency.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Charge Air Cooler, Charge Air Cooler harness is open or shorted, Charge Air Cooler circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 188

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 02, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P026A 2016 GMC Sierra Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the ambient air temperature, and the charge air temperature before and after the Charge Air Cooler to calculate the efficiency of the Charge Air Cooler (CAC). The Charge Air Cooler systems function is to reduce the temperature of the induction air charge that is heated by the turbocharger to improve the efficiency and performance of the engine.
The Charge Air Cooler inlet temperature sensor, located at the turbocharger outlet, and the Charge Air Cooler outlet temperature sensor, located near the intake air flow valve are variable resistors. The ECM supplies 5 V to the signal circuit and a ground for the sensors' low reference circuits.

OBDII Code P026A 2016 GMC Sierra - Charge Air Cooler Low Efficiency - AutoCodes.com — P026A 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Charge Air Cooler Low Efficiency

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P026A 2016 GMC Sierra?

Faulty Charge Air Cooler
Charge Air Cooler harness is open or shorted
Charge Air Cooler circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P026A 2016 GMC Sierra?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P026A 2016 GMC Sierra code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P026A 2016 GMC Sierra code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.