Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The range/performance of the control circuit for the coolant pump “B”
What does that signify?
This generic powertrain/engine diagnostic trouble code typically applies to all OBDII equipped engines with electric coolant pumps, but is more commonly found in certain hybrid vehicles made by Ford, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.
The Coolant Pump B (CP-B) is usually located at the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel wells, or against the bulkhead. The CP-B is operated by an electrical signal from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM receives inputs to determine when and how long it needs to operate the CP-B. These inputs are voltage signals received from coolant temperature, intake air temperature, engine rpm, and air conditioning system pressure sensors. Once the PCM has received these inputs, it can modify the signal to the CP-B.
P261B is typically set because of electrical (CP-B circuit) issues but can also be caused by mechanical issues, such as a mechanically stuck impeller on the electrically driven coolant pump. Both electrical and mechanical issues should not be ignored during the troubleshooting stage, especially when dealing with an intermittent problem.
Troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the manufacturer, type of CP-B, and wire colors.
Related coolant pump “B” circuit trouble codes:
Symptoms & Severity
The severity is usually severe due to its impact on the cooling system. Because this can be either an electrical or mechanical failure, the PCM cannot fully compensate for it. Partial compensation usually means that the cooling fans operate all the time (100% duty cycle).
Symptoms of a P261B code may include:
Causes
Potential causes for this code to set are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your issue may be a known issue with a known fix put out by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.
Next, locate the Coolant Pump B (CP-B) on your particular vehicle. This pump is usually found mounted to the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel wells, or against the bulkhead. Once located, visually inspect the connector and wiring. Look for scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, or melted plastic. Pull the connector apart and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connector. See if they look burned or have a green tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush if cleaning of the terminals is needed. Let dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals contact.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory, and see if the P261B code returns. If it does not, then the connections were most likely the problem.
For this particular code, this is the most common area of concern, as are the relays / connections to the relays, with a pump failure second.
If the code does return, we will need to test the pump and the associated circuits. Typically, there are 2 wires at each coolant pump. First, disconnect the harness going to the coolant pump. With a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM), connect one lead of the meter to one terminal of the pump. Connect the remaining meter lead to the other pump terminal. It should not be open or shorted. Verify the resistance specifications for your particular vehicle. If the pump motor is either open or shorted (infinite resistance or no resistance/0 ohms), replace the coolant pump.
If that test passes, with a DVOM, check to make sure you have 12V to the coolant pump power supply circuit (Red lead to the pump power supply circuit, black lead to a good ground). With a scan tool that can activate the coolant pump, turn on the coolant pump. If there is no 12 volts to the pump, repair the wiring from the PCM or relay to the pump, or possibly a bad PCM.
If that’s OK, check to make sure you have a good ground at the coolant pump. Connect a test light to 12V battery positive (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the Coolant pump circuit ground. Using the scan tool to actuate the coolant pump, see if the test light comes on each time the scan tool actuates the pump. If the test light does not light up, this would indicate the problem circuit. If it does light up, wiggle the wiring harness going to the pump to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.
If all prior tests have passed and you continue to get a P261B, this would most likely indicate a failed coolant pump, although a failed PCM could not be ruled out until the coolant pump had been replaced. If unsure, seek assistance from a trained automotive diagnostician. PCMs must be programmed, or calibrated to the vehicle in order to be installed correctly.
Similar other coolant pump codes include P2600, P2601, P2602, and P2603.
