P26A1 - OBD Trouble Code

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Do you know why the P26A1 error code is stored in your vehicle? Are you looking for the symptoms and causes of this error? Then, look no further and keep reading ahead. The engine performance which is less is known as exhaust aftertreatment glow plug control circuit. The DEF helps to convert the excess exhaust particles to harmless gases. If you want to burn off those excess particles, the exhaust systems’ temperature has to be increased. As the DEF is injected, the exhaust stream will raise the temperature of the DPF as needed which then helps to convert the harmful NOx to nitrogen, CO2, and water respectively.

The DEF is prevented from freezing during cold temperature which is severe by the glow plugs. If the glow plug does not operate as expected, then the P26A1 error code will be stored in the vehicle. The exhaust aftertreatment glow plug control circuit will be carefully observed by the PCM. The error code will be set in the vehicle by the PCM if the factory specification is not exactly met by the exhaust aftertreatment glow plug control circuit

What causes this problem with the Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit Low?

• The exhaust aftertreatment glow plug might be damaged.
• You will see an opening or short circuit in the exhaust aftertreatment glow plug harness.
• Bad electrical connection in the exhaust aftertreatment glow plug.

1. Powertrain Control Module - A faulty PCM can cause misfiring issues and the engine behaviour might also be erratic. If your vehicle is causing misfiring issues, then it is because of a faulty powertrain control module. Shop them from Parts Avatar at best prices online.
2. Glow Plug - If the glow plugs don’t light properly, then it can be faulty or defective. Get the right glow plugs from Parts Avatar
3. Shift Solenoid - Does your engine shift erratically? Then the shift solenoid might be defective which needs a replacement quickly.
4. Electronic Pressure Regulator - A defective electronic pressure regulator will indicate you with misfiring conditions and poor engine performance. Get it repaired/ replaced to avoid the P26A1 error code
5. Glow Plug Relay - Check if the glow plug relay functions normally. If not, there can be an opening in the circuit which needs to be fixed.
6. Engine Control Module - Any corrosion or break in the internal wiring harness can cause a short in your ECM. If you’re ECM is shorted, then you must change the engine control module (ECM) as soon as possible to avoid the P26A1 error code.

Next important thing you need to know about are the common symptoms for this OBD error code P26A1 with your fuel volume control.

Common Symptoms

• Engine performance might be reduced.
• DPF regeneration will not take place.
• Either the warning light of the service engine or the engine light will remain on

After you know the symptoms of your vehicle’s problem, it becomes easy to detect it and get started with solving it. So, next on our list is a few common steps to correct this issue with your vehicle’s:

• The damaged glow plug must be replaced.
• If the glow plug is fine, look for defects in the glow plug relay and replace them.
• Malfunctioning of the PCM is very rare. Fix them if they are faulty.

However, if you face any issue then we have stocked a wide range of best-priced PCM, glow plug, shift solenoid, electronic pressure regulator, glow plug control module, glow plug relay, ECM and more to help you out in fixing your car.

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

• A diagnostic scanner, a reliable source of vehicle information, and a DVOM are needed to diagnose P26A1 code.
• If you find a reliable TSB it can help you with proper diagnosis as it has information of the vehicle make and model and other error codes.
• Also, you will be needing diagnostic flowcharts, connector face views, connector pinout charts, wiring diagrams, module locations, and component testing processes to diagnose the P26A1 code.
• Connect the scanner to the diagnostic port of vehicle once you inspect the glow plug and its wires and connectors.
• Recover the codes and freeze the data. See if the code appears after test driving.
• Either the PCM will enter readiness mode, or the code will be set, if this happens continue with the diagnosis. If not, there can be an irregular connection. You have to worsen the condition before diagnosing.
• One best way is to remove the glow plugs and test the voltage.
• If they function normally, activate them with the help of a scanner and test the battery voltage at the connector.
• Test fuses relay with a loaded circuit as specified by the manufacturer.
• The fuse which appears to be functional will direct you to the wrong path.
• If both fuse and relay function properly, check the output voltage at the glow plug timer or PCM.
• If the voltage is present, then there can be an open or shorted circuit where the circuit can be simply replaced.
• Sometimes you may think P26A1 code is caused by glow plug but it can also be due to variations in the control circuit which results in error code.
• One common error is trying to diagnose the wrong cylinder.
• Make sure you diagnose the right cylinder before proceeding with the process.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P26A1 Code

• Defective glow plug control module.
• Glow plug relay might be damaged.
• Defective powertrain control module.
• An issue with the electrical wires.