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Error Code P261C: What It Means & What To Do?

OBD Code P261C - Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit Low

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Do you hear buzzing or whining sound from under the hood? Is your car engine overheating leading to engine overheat indicator on the dash control? Do you notice rust or deposit build up on the coolant pump? This may indicate that the coolant pump circuit has a low voltage output causing OBD code P261C getting flashed by the powertrain control module (PCM).

Learn More About OBD Error Code P261C

The water pump moves the coolant through the coolant passages that are located in the engine which helps to keep the engine temperature low. The coolant flow is held back by the thermostat until the coolant reaches the optimal temperature, when the thermostat opens up and allows the coolant to flow through the radiator hose into the radiator.

Once in the radiator, the coolant, with the help of the radiator, the cooling fan, and even the outside air flowing into the grill of your vehicle, dissipates the excess heat. The coolant pushed back by the water pump into the engine where the process repeats.

When there is a problem with the flow of operation and the engine starts to get hot, it is time to investigate if your car’s water pump is failing. If the water pump shows signs of weakness or fails completely, coolant will not flow through the cooling system correctly and if coolant does not flow, engine temperatures rise and it begins to overheat.


What causes this problem with the Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit Low?


  • Malfunctioned water pump
  • Defective coolant pump relay
  • Low coolant levels
  • Open or short in the coolant pump control circuit
  • Powertrain control circuit failure

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P261C

  1. Engine Control Module - Is your car engine light still staying ON after resetting or your car engine is turning off for no reason? Then these are some common symptoms indicating that your car engine control module is defective.
  2. Powertrain Control Module - The PCM works as the central computer system in an automobile’s mechanism. This auto part is in charge of all the constituents as well as the functions performed by them. Having such enormous importance in the operation of all the parts means that any defect in it will affect almost every aspect of a car.
  3. Electronic Control Unit - The ECU is a major component of your car's onboard computer. It's used to regulate many systems and subsystems in your car's engine, drive train and other major components. Visit us to buy best quality ECU online.
  4. Diagnostic Tools – Take the help of a professional mechanic to diagnose OBD code error. Use high grade diagnostic tools to resolve this issue. Buy new tools and equipment form us!
  5. Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor - Did you just see black smoke coming out from your vehicle’s exhaust? Black smoke is an indication that you should not drive your vehicle as there might be some fault in the engine coolant temperature sensor. Buy engine coolant temperature sensor from us online at affordable prices.
  6. Water Pump - The water pump moves coolant through the radiator and around the engine to dissipate heat buildup. Rapidly moving, closely connected metal parts generate a lot of friction, and thus, heat. Too much heat and you end up with components that are warped, melted, fused, broken and otherwise structurally compromised. Replace faulty water pump now!
  7. Hybrid Drive Cooling Pump – Malfunctioned coolant pump can render the engine inoperative due to overheating. This can also lead to complete engine failure. Thus, replace it now!
  8. Water Pump Pulley – If the water pump pulley is loose, it may lead to increased friction and heat in the pulley system along with reduced pump operations. One can also hear whining sound from under the hood due to this. Thus, replace it now!
  9. Electric Water Pump Relay – Low power supply due to faulty relay system is a common problem that can be diagnosed simply by replacing the relay components and wiring systems. Thus, replace faulty components now!

Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P261C

Next important thing you need to know about are the common symptoms for this obd error code P261C with your fuel volume control.


Common Symptoms


  • Illumination of Check Engine Light
  • Impacted motor/engine performance due to poor air/fuel ratio and temperature difference
  • Affected acceleration and throttle response
  • Vehicle running in "limp" mode to protect the engine

How To Correct P261C Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit Low

Wish to correct this error code with your vehicle? Do you know what all you should do to make your car free from this code P261C? Well, don’t worry! We are here to guide you.


  • Repair or replace coolant pump
  • Repair or replace damaged coolant pump pulley
  • Bad wiring to the circuit and pump repair or replace
  • PCM (Powertrain Control Module) replacement

Apart from the fuel injector, you might need to undergo few more replacements. You might need Pcm, Coolant Pump, Coolant Pump Relay, Water Pump, Ecm, Electronic Pressure Regulator, Water Pump Relay, Battery, Battery Cable, Fuel Filter, Fuel Pump, MAF Sensor, Oxygen Sensor and many other parts. Where to get them from? Well, if you want quality parts, then we can prove to be your dream destination.

Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P261C

If you want to easily diagnose this fault code P261C, then all you have to do is to follow the steps which are mentioned below:


  • Begins the diagnosis by hooking the vehicle up to an OBD-II scanner in order to verify that the code is present, and check for other codes.
  • Record this data along with freeze frame data, and then clear the code to see if they reoccur.
  • Next, perform a visual inspection of the wiring and connectors to check for loose connections, corrosion, or shorts.
  • A digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM) may be used to test the coolant pump and circuit for resistant and relay power supply. Other tests of the CACT and camshaft components may help pinpoint the problem, as well as data transmission accuracy.
  • If there is no problem found with the sensor and the circuit, then the most probable answer to the problem is a faulty PCM circuit. A PCM consists of the ECM and the transmission control module and can cause great problems with it is unable to interpret the right data from other sensors.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P261C Code

Oftentimes the PCM sensor and circuit is blamed, and replaced, without checking the coolant pump and circuit as well as neglecting the damaged wiring and connectors. Because there can be several reasons for this code, a complete inspection should be carried out in order to avoid repairs that may be unnecessary and more expensive.

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P261C

P261A - Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit/Open

P261B - Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit Range/Performance

P261D - Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit High