AutoCodesCadillac – P2601 Cadillac

P2601 Cadillac Code - Auxiliary Coolant Pump Performance

Quick Answer

The auxiliary coolant pump and cooling fan system provides a measure of prevention against fuel vaporization due to excessive engine temperatures. Common causes include Faulty Auxiliary Coolant Pump Relay, Blocked pump control passage, Faulty Auxiliary Coolant Pump. 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
P2601 Cadillac indicates Auxiliary Coolant Pump Performance.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Auxiliary Coolant Pump Relay, Blocked pump control passage, Faulty Auxiliary Coolant Pump.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 26,790
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 19, 2019
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P2601 Cadillac Description

The auxiliary coolant pump and cooling fan system provides a measure of prevention against fuel vaporization due to excessive engine temperatures. The Engine Control Module (ECM) commands the auxiliary or after boil coolant pump ON when the engine coolant temperature exceeds a calibrated value after engine shut down. The ECM applies ground to the coil side of the auxiliary pump relay. This energizes the coil and applies voltage directly to the pump motor through the switch side of the relay. When the auxiliary coolant pump is activated, coolant is drawn from radiator and pumped into the engine through a tee in the engine coolant inlet pipe. As the colder temperature coolant is drawn into the engine warmer coolant is expelled from the engine and back to the radiator. Removing high temperature coolant from the engine after shut down helps prevent vaporization of the fuel that remains in the fuel injectors and fuel rail during a hot soak.
OBDII Code P2601 Cadillac - Auxiliary Coolant Pump Performance - AutoCodes.com
P2601 Cadillac Code - Auxiliary Coolant Pump Performance

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2601 Cadillac?

  • Faulty Auxiliary Coolant Pump Relay
  • Blocked pump control passage
  • Faulty Auxiliary Coolant Pump
  • Auxiliary Coolant Pump harness is open or shorted
  • Auxiliary Coolant Pump circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P2601 Cadillac?

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 P2601 Cadillac 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 P2601 Cadillac code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2601 Cadillac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P2601 Cadillac code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P2601 Cadillac Code

No Frequently Asked Questions about P2601 Cadillac Code found.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P2601 Cadillac OBDII Code

  • Is it bad to take the car for a long trip from Los Angeles to las Vegas with that code on. Or should I take to the dealer before I go. Thank you

  • You should have the dealer check it first. The code has to do with the engine coolant system, and if the coolant system is not working properly, it may overheat the engine.

    • My two codes are P261F-01 & 02, I think a mouse or rat damaged some wiring to the battery. I looked really good and couldn’t find any damage.
      Is the car safe to drive until my appt in 5 days?

      • Those codes—P261F-01 and -02—point to issues with the auxiliary coolant pump, like performance or electrical faults. If a rodent chewed wiring near the battery, that could explain it, especially if any wiring harness runs along that area.

        If the engine isn’t overheating and you’re not getting any temperature warnings or loss of coolant, it’s probably safe to drive short distances until your appointment. Just keep an eye on the temp gauge and avoid heavy traffic or long uphill drives where the engine may run hotter.

        Also, check for any chewed plastic wire coverings or droppings around the battery or fuse box again—they can be easy to miss. Let the shop know you suspect rodent damage—they’ll know what to look for.

        • Thank you friend. The light went off after I put coolant in it. May be coincidence. I will still get a diagnosis and oil change at the dealer in five days.

  • I have this code coming on, and noticed my fluid was low. I'm not seeing any signs of leaks in the compartment, but I may not be seeing it. Also, I can't find a replacement Aux Pump for my 2009 STS 3.6...does it even have one?

  • The pump is next to the radiator.

  • Do I need to drain the system first, or can I cap the hoses?

  • Yes, you can just cap the hoses.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play