AutoCodes – Generic – P26A1

P26A1 Code - Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit Low

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Control Circuit. Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug, Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug 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: P26A1 indicates Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug, Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug 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 22,322

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 Jul 02, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P26A1 Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Control Circuit. The PCM sets the OBDII code when the Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Control Circuit exceeds factory specifications. The Injector nozzle is physically blocked, or there is a blown fuse due to an internal short circuit caused by the injector nozzle glow plug overheating, or fuel supply pump failure.

OBDII Code P26A1 - Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — P26A1 Code - Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P26A1?

Faulty Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug
Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug harness is open or shorted
Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P26A1?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

To diagnose a possible faulty exhaust injector nozzle, start by connecting a handheld vacuum pump to the fuel line that supplies the nozzle. Check if the system holds a vacuum. If it does, the injector is likely blocked and will need to be replaced.

Next, if the fuse for the injector heater glow plug or pump has blown, test the glow plug resistance. The nominal resistance should be 1.1 Ohms. If the reading is less than 0.8 Ohms or greater than 1.3 Ohms, the injector glow plug is faulty, as it is part of the injector unit. If all values for the injector nozzle are within specifications, inspect the condition of the fuel line supplying the injector and the fuel supply. Run the pump and listen for any unusual noises or check if it fails to run. If there are issues, examine the wiring to the pump and ensure the fuel lines are not blocked. Replace any faulty parts as necessary.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P26A1 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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Information for Specific Makes

P26A1 Ford — Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit Low

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.