P261F

  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer-specific
SeveritySeverity level 3 of 5: Diagnose soon.

Diagnose soon

Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.

Standard definition

Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Stuck On

This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.

In plain English

The first coolant pump runs even when no command is active. Driver is stuck on or the wire is shorted to a permanent supply.

A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.

Can I keep driving?
Safe to drive
Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.
Urgency
Diagnose soon
Will it pass emissions
Not affected
Check engine light
Solid
Likely causes
#CauseHow oftenComponent
1ECU output driver stuck onVery common
2Control wire shorted to a permanent B+ supplyCommon
3Carbon or debris buildup preventing free movementOccasional

Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.

Components involved
  • Coolant Pump A
  • Control Module
  • Wiring Harness
Sources
Definition
Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
Diagnostic guidance
Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
Review status
Awaiting review

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