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P2681 - OBD Trouble Code

OBD Code P2681 - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit/Open

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The trouble code P2681 can be defined as Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit/Open. This error code would indicate that an error has been detected in the engine coolant bypass valve control circuit by the powertrain control module. The P2681 trouble code would give to the illumination of the check engine light. 

Learn More About OBD Error Code P2681

The engine coolant bypass valve control circuit is being monitored by the engine control module. This trouble code would be set by the ECM when the engine coolant bypass valve control circuit would not be as per the specifications set by the manufacturer. The engine control module, powertrain control module or the transmission control module monitors this circuit depending upon the particular automobile.

What causes this problem with the Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit/Open?

  • Some flaws in the engine coolant bypass valve

  • Engine coolant bypass valve harness might be opened or sometimes shorted

  • Engine coolant bypass valve circuit might have inadequate electrical connection

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P2681

  1. Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor - The engine coolant temperature sensor is also known as the coolant temperature switch. It is an engine management system sensor which is utilized to monitor the temperature of the engine’s coolant. If there are any faults in the ECT sensor, then it would lead to engine performance issues. Purchase high grade engine coolant temperature sensor from us online.
  2. Engine Control Module - There can be some engine performance issues due to faulty engine control module. If the ECM fails or has any problems it can lead to performance issues with the vehicle like misfires, hesitation, loss of power, and sometimes even decreased fuel economy.
  3. Coolant Hoses/Pipes - Damaged hoses and pipes can cause leakages and thus reduce the effectiveness of the cooling system. Thus, cracked and damaged pipes must be replaced immediately.
  4. Powertrain Control Module - PCM stands for powertrain control module. It is a car part, a control unit which is utilized on motor vehicles. It is generally a combined control unit, consisting of the engine control unit (ECU) and the transmission control unit (TCU).
  5. Speed Sensor - The real gear ratio of the transmission while in use is calculated by the transmission speed sensors. Generally there are two speed sensors, which would work together to provide right transmission data to the automobile’s powertrain control module. If there are some faults in your speed sensor, then you must get it replaced!
  6. Electronic Control Unit - If your automobile's check engine light remains on constantly, and never goes off, there's a good chance that your vehicle has a damaged electronic control unit. There are a lot of reasons why a car's check engine light will remain on. The most common reason is a defective ECU.
  7. Diagnostic Tools - It is always advisable to use the correct tools and equipment while resolving any OBD code issue as even small mistakes can lead to wrong diagnosis. Thus, always take help from a professional who has the knowledge and experience to such tools in an efficient manner. Buy new quality diagnostic tools from us today!

Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P2681

Our main motive is to achieve customer satisfaction as for us our customers are everything and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P2681 code by mentioning some major symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

  • The service engine soon light can start lighting up

  • The vehicle might not have heat

How To Correct P2681 Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit/Open

If you wish to correct this fault code, then you have to follow certain steps. Correcting a problem needs your careful attention. Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P2681:

  • It is essential to restore the flawed engine coolant bypass valve circuit

  • You must fix the defective engine coolant bypass valve

  • Make sure to mend the faulty engine coolant bypass valve harness

  • Repair or replace the quirky PCM


However, if you face any issue then we have stocked a wide range of best priced coolant control valve, engine coolant temperature sensor, position sensor, powertrain control module, engine coolant system, radiator, connectors, speed sensor, cruise control module, engine control module, ecm car, ecu car, pcm car, body control module component and more to help you out in fixing your car.

Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P2681

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:


  • The automobiles which use an electronically controlled valve to remove the air (gases) from the engine coolant system are subject to present this type of code.
  • The powertrain control module controls the coolant degassing valve (or other auxiliary controller) using input data from the engine coolant temperature sensor.
  • The vehicle service manual should be consulted for the location, operating characteristics, and voltage requirements of the coolant degassing valve control circuit, connectors, and components. Other vehicle applications utilize an electronically controlled valve to cause engine coolant to bypass the radiator, engine block, heater core, or other engine cooling system components.
  • The valve is controlled utilizing a voltage signal from the PCM.
  • The input data from the engine coolant temperature sensor is used by the PCM to calculate the operational strategy for the engine coolant bypass valve control circuit. This type of code generally represents a malfunction in the controller area network, or "CAN".
  • The CAN represents a communication bus that would allow a number of microcontrollers to communicate with one another without the need for a host computer.
  • It is a message based protocol initially designed for automotive use. The network of CAN bus is actually a complex conglomeration of wiring harnesses and connectors used as a pipeline of information which is shared between two or more automotive control modules.
  • Every electrical function of the vehicle is virtually controlled by these controllers, with the powertrain control module being the primary controller. Control modules receive input data from various sensors and emit output signals to system constituents and other control modules. If this proves to be a CAN bus associated situation, then it could prove very challenging to diagnose by an amateur technician.
  • Unlike other diagnostic codes, this type of code can sometimes be best left to a professional simply because of the bulk of circuitry involved. An technician which is experienced should use a specialized scanner (Autohex or Tech II) to determine the general area of the malfunction much more rapidly and easily than someone using a code reader as well as a digital volt ohmmeter.
  • If you will disconnect and check every single pin of the CAN bus then it can consume a lot of time as well as money. Also make sure to install some type of memory saving device, test the PCM and other controllers lose their memory and sometimes they might require reprogramming. A specialized diagnostic CAN scanner will depict pin values and control module operation without risking a meltdown.
  • It can diagnose computer and issues related to circuitry correctly by monitoring automobile operation while the vehicle is being operated. If you want to diagnose this type of code using a digital volt ohmmeter, then it would entail probing thousands of circuits separately.
  • One probe which is misplaced could destroy expensive control modules and require that the vehicle be totally reprogrammed. At the most, you may attempt to perform a continuity test after all control modules are disconnected, and this could literally require 40-hours or more, based upon the automobile.
  • There are some applications are equipped with up to 18 separate control modules. If you choose to tackle this monumental task, then you must start with a careful visual inspection of all system circuitry, connectors, and fuses.
  • Control module ground circuits should be inspected for continuity with battery ground. Generally the faulty system grounds are reason behind the occurrence of these types of codes. An auxiliary ground cable can be supportive in diagnosing system ground discrepancies. Engine and transmission ground cables, straps, and wires are sometimes left dangling once the repairs have been made.
  • Search for loose or corroded electrical connectors that might rise the circuit resistance and cause these types of codes to be stored. Obtain a CAN bus system wiring diagram and/or pin out value chart, then use the digital volt ohmmeter to test continuity between individual controller connectors.
  • You must compare your findings with the manufacturer’s referenced values and repair open or shorted circuits as per the need. It is more economical to restore the faulty wiring rather than attempting to remove it from the complex web of wiring harnesses.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P2681 Code


  • Non performance of the high voltage powertrain control module
  • Failure in the car wiring
  • The passenger compartment heater coolant control valve might not function properly

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P2681

P2682 - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit Low

P2683 - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit High