Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The PTO Control Circuit is experiencing low voltage.
What does that mean?
This is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). This includes vehicles from Ford, GMC, Chevy, Dodge, Ram, and others. While the code is generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and powertrain configuration of the vehicle.
OBD-II trouble code P260B, along with related codes P260A, P260C, and P260D, are associated with the PTO or power take off control circuit.
The PTO or power take-off is a system connected to the vehicle’s transmission and is used to operate auxiliary equipment such as a winch, snow plow, or dump bed.
When the PCM detects improper voltage or resistance within the PTO control circuit that is too low and outside the expected range, code P260B will be set and the check engine light, service engine soon light, or both may illuminate.
What is the severity of this DTC?
This code is generally not severe as it is likely to only affect the functioning of the PTO equipment and not the regular vehicle functions.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P260B trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P260B code may include:
What are some P260B troubleshooting steps?
The first step in troubleshooting any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) specific to the vehicle’s year, model, and engine/transmission configuration. This can save time by providing guidance in the right direction.
The second step is to locate all components associated with the PTO power take-off circuit and inspect them for physical damage. Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the wiring for any obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots. Check the connectors and connections for security, corrosion, and damaged pins. This includes all wiring connectors and connections to all components, including the PCM. Consult the specific technical data for the vehicle to verify the configuration of the oil level safety circuit and determine if a fuse or fuse-able link is part of the circuit.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps are vehicle-specific and require advanced equipment for accurate performance. These procedures involve using a digital multimeter and referencing the specific technical information for the vehicle. In this situation, an oil pressure gauge may aid in the troubleshooting process.
This article is for informational purposes only, and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take precedence.
