AutoCodes – Pontiac – P2601 Pontiac

P2601 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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.

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Code Popularity 3,122

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 Jan 19, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P2601 Pontiac 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 Pontiac - Auxiliary Coolant Pump Performance - AutoCodes.com — P2601 Pontiac Code - Auxiliary Coolant Pump Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2601 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac 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.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P2601 Pontiac Code

1. What does OBDII code P2601 mean for a Pontiac?

Code P2601 indicates an issue with the performance of the auxiliary coolant pump, which is responsible for circulating coolant to regulate engine temperature.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P2601 in a Pontiac?

Symptoms may include the check engine light turning on, overheating issues, poor heater performance, or reduced engine cooling efficiency.

3. What causes the P2601 code to appear in a Pontiac?

Possible causes include a faulty auxiliary coolant pump, wiring or connector issues, a blown fuse, or a failure in the pump control circuit.

4. Can I continue driving my Pontiac with code P2601 active?

It is not recommended to drive with this code active, as it can lead to engine overheating and potential damage if the auxiliary coolant pump is not functioning properly.

5. How do I diagnose the P2601 code in a Pontiac?

Start by inspecting the auxiliary coolant pump, wiring, and connectors for damage or corrosion. Use a scan tool to check for additional codes and test the pump's operation.

6. How can I fix the P2601 code on my Pontiac?

Repairs may involve replacing the auxiliary coolant pump, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or replacing a blown fuse.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P2601 code on a Pontiac?

The cost varies depending on the root cause, but replacing the auxiliary coolant pump typically costs between $200 and $500, including parts and labor.

8. Can a faulty thermostat trigger code P2601 in a Pontiac?

A faulty thermostat is not a direct cause of P2601, but it may contribute to cooling system issues that stress the auxiliary coolant pump.

9. Will clearing the code P2601 fix the issue on my Pontiac?

Clearing the code will turn off the check engine light temporarily, but the issue will likely reoccur if the underlying problem is not resolved.

10. Is the auxiliary coolant pump the same as the main water pump?

No, the auxiliary coolant pump is a separate component that provides additional cooling, often for turbochargers or heating systems, while the main water pump circulates coolant through the engine.