Error Code P26A2: What It Means & What To Do?

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Are you looking for information with respect to the P26A2 error code? Then you are at the right place. The exhaust aftertreatment glow plug control circuit refers to the low engine performance. The leftover exhaust particles are converted into harmless gases with the assistance of diesel exhaust fluid that is DEF. The temperature of the exhaust system has to be increased in order to burn off the leftover exhaust particles. As you inject the DEF fluid into the exhaust system, it will raise the diesel particulate filter (DPF) up to the required temperature. The injurious NOx is converted into nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and then water by the system.

When the temperature is extremely cold, the glow plug will keep the DEF from freezing. If the glow plug does not function as expected, then the P26A2 error will get stored in the vehicle. The exhaust aftertreatment glow plug control circuit is carefully observed by the PCM. When the factory specifications is not properly met by the exhaust aftertreatment glow plug control circuit, the error code will be set by the PCM.

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

• The exhaust aftertreatment glow plug might seem to be defective.
• You might find an opening in the exhaust aftertreatment glow plug harness or the circuit might be shorted.
• The electrical connection might be poor in the exhaust aftertreatment glow plug.

1. Diesel Exhaust Fluid - A bad DEF will lightly appear to be colored and cloudy as well as it might be contaminated with dirt particles. Replace the contaminated DEF quickly.
2. Exhaust System - You will hear a strange hissing noise in your vehicle if the exhaust system is malfunctioning. Get rid of the problematic exhaust system as soon as possible.
3. Diesel Particulate Filter - Do you find any strange or bad smell? Then the DPF can be burnt which has to be replaced quickly.
4. Glow Plug - Low fuel efficiency indicates a faulty glow plugs. Avoid the P26A2 error by replacing it quickly.
5. Powertrain Control Module - Does your engine turn off without any reason? Then it’s a high time to replace your PCM as it can be faulty.
6. Engine Control Module - The engine control module is considered to be the brain of the engine management system. So if your ECM is not functioning properly, then an immediate replacement is needed so that the system functions normally.

Have you ever wondered why is it so important to know the symptoms of the problem? Well, it is extremely essential to know the symptoms of the problem in order to detect it. Keeping this in mind, let’s throw some light on a few common symptoms of OBD error code P26A2.

Common Symptoms

• Performance of the engine is less.
• The possible chances of DPF regeneration might be very less.
• Flashing of the engine light or service engine will indicate you with a warning light.

After understanding the symptoms and few common causes behind the OBD error code, we are here to help you out in understanding the ways and means to correct the issue. To solve any issue you need to follow certain steps, and to solve OBD error code P26A2, you will need to undergo the following replacements:

• Fixing the damaged glow plug as well as the glow plug relay.
• Faulty ECM/PCM can be very rare. Change it quickly if they are damaged.

To do all this, you will need a few high-quality auto parts such exhaust system, diesel exhaust fluid, diesel particulate filter, glow plug, PCM and so on. From where will you get them? From your local store? Well, why go there when you can order quality parts with us while sitting in the comfort of your home. So, just browse through our website and order your needed parts today.

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

• To perform proper diagnosis, a diagnostic scanner, vehicle information, and a DVOM will be required. Use the DVOM and find the TSB.
• A TSB will help you to arrive at a proper diagnosis that has information of vehicle make, model and year of manufacturing.
• Further to diagnose correctly you will need diagnostic flowcharts, wire diagrams, connector face views, connector pinout charts, component positions, and testing procedures.
• Once you inspect the glow plug and its wires, connect the scanner to the diagnostic port and recover all the stored codes and freeze frame data.
• Test drive to see if the code is reset.
• The PCM will enter readiness mode or the code will be reset. If either of these 2 happens, continue diagnosing. If not, there is irregular connection and the condition has to be made worse.
• Best idea is to remove glow plugs and apply battery voltage.
• If it glows bright, condition is good, if not, test it with DVOM and you will see that it does not meet manufacturer’s specifications.
• Be careful when performing the test.
• If there is no voltage, test the power supply for the timer and controller.
• Also, check the fuses, relays, when the circuit is loaded. If the fuse is loaded it will appear to function and lead to wrong path.
• If all fuses and relays function properly, there can be an open or shorted circuit which can be simply replaced.
• A defective glow plug alone cannot cause a P26A2 circuit. Sometimes a variation in the circuit will also give rise to this error code.
• Make sure you diagnose the right cylinder before proceeding.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P26A2 Code

• Failed glow plug control module.
• Glow plug relay might be faulty.
• Damaged powertrain control module.
• An issue might arise due to faulty wires.