AutoCodes – Generic – P261B

P261B Code - Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit Range/Performance

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the engine water pump assembly by calculating the necessary amount of coolant flow based on engine coolant temperature, engine speed, and vehicle speed information. Common causes include Faulty Engine Water Pump Assembly, Engine Water Pump Assembly harness is open or shorted, Engine Water Pump Assembly 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: P261B indicates Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit Range/Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Engine Water Pump Assembly, Engine Water Pump Assembly harness is open or shorted, Engine Water Pump Assembly 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 26,814

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 Dec 27, 2021

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P261B Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the engine water pump assembly by calculating the necessary amount of coolant flow based on engine coolant temperature, engine speed, and vehicle speed information. The ECM calculates the speed of the engine water pump assembly using a duty cycle signal sent from the engine water pump assembly. This optimal control enhances warm-up performance and reduces cooling losses, thus reducing the specific fuel consumption of the engine. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the engine water pump assembly speed is less than 900 rpm while the engine water pump assembly is operating (1 trip detection logic).

OBDII Code P261B - Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit Range/Performance - AutoCodes.com — P261B Code - Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P261B?

Faulty Engine Water Pump Assembly
Engine Water Pump Assembly harness is open or shorted
Engine Water Pump Assembly poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P261B?

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 P261B 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 P261B code?

Need more information on how to fix the P261B code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P261B code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P261B Audi — Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit Range/Performance
P261B Lexus — Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit Range/Performance
P261B Toyota — Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit Range/Performance
P261B Volkswagen — Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit Range/Performance

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.