What are the common causes of P261C?

A short to ground on the coolant pump B control wire. A stuck coolant pump B. A corroded pump B connector shorting the circuit. A chafed pump B control wire.

Read coolant pump B control voltage on a scan tool. Test the pump B control wire for a short to ground. Command pump B and confirm it changes state. Inspect the pump B harness for chafing. Replace coolant pump B if it stays on. Clear the code and retest.

P261C

Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Low

System: Computer output circuits (P code)
Lamp: Check Engine Light
Category: Powertrain - Computer and Auxiliary Controls

What it means

P261C means Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Low.

Where it lives

For P261C, the circuit described runs through the pump. The description of P261C reports a fault at the pump.

Check these first

A short to ground on the coolant pump B control wire
A stuck coolant pump B
A corroded pump B connector shorting the circuit
A chafed pump B control wire

What to do next

Read coolant pump B control voltage on a scan tool
Test the pump B control wire for a short to ground
Command pump B and confirm it changes state
Inspect the pump B harness for chafing
Replace coolant pump B if it stays on
Clear the code and retest

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Updated

Generic SAE J2012 definition. Last updated 2026-10-10.