AutoCodes – Generic – P261D

P261D Code - Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit High

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: P261D indicates Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit High.
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.

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Code Popularity 7,792

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
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Code P261D 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 output voltage is higher than the specified value while the engine water pump assembly is operating (1 trip detection logic).

OBDII Code P261D - Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P261D Code - Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P261D?

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 P261D?

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 P261D 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 P261D code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P261D Audi — Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit High
P261D Lexus — Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit High
P261D Toyota — Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit High
P261D Volkswagen — Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit High

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.