The P2601 engine code indicates an issue with your car's coolant pump ‘A’ control circuit. A faulty coolant pump control circuit can cause your engine to overheat, which can seriously damage your car and make it unsafe to drive.

A diagnostic trouble code (DTC), like engine code P2601, is read by an OBD-II (on-board diagnostic) code reader. It’s helpful to think of these various engine codes as terms in a glossary that describe and diagnose what is wrong with your engine so you can get back to driving safely.

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For now, let’s dive into what engine code P2601 means and how to fix it:

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What does the engine code P2601 mean?

Definition: General DTC code for an issue with coolant pump ‘A’ control circuit/performance

Coolant pump ‘A’, as its name implies, is a small part of the broader system that circulates a coolant/antifreeze mixture in your engine. This mixture regulates the engine’s internal temperature and prevents it from overheating.

MORE:

How to keep your car cool in the summer

How much will it cost to fix?

The total cost of parts and labor to replace can run anywhere from $75-$150. Your mechanic will typically bill one hour of labor to diagnose and replace coolant pump ‘A.’ Be aware that prices for this service may range based on your location, your vehicle’s

make and model

, and your engine type.

MORE:

Here’s how to save money on car expenses

What can cause the engine code P2601?

Several things can cause engine code P2601, including:

A faulty coolant pump relay

A faulty coolant pump

An open or shortened coolant pump harness

Poor electrical connection to coolant pump

Coolant pump ‘A’ is an ancillary pump that helps support the broader coolant system with a little extra flow. This extra boost of coolant/antifreeze provided by coolant pump ‘A’ keeps the liquid circulating when your engine is running at lower RPMs (rotations per minute) and when the engine is off.

The pump is monitored by the powertrain control module, or PCM for short. So, if your OBD-II is giving you engine code P2601, this means that the PCM has detected something wrong with coolant pump ‘A.’

You may sometimes hear the coolant pump referred to as a

water pump

, but that is incorrect. Your car’s cooling system is filled with a mixture of coolant and antifreeze—not water. It’s a common error!

MORE:

What does a water pump do in a car?

How serious is engine code P2601?

Very! Coolant pump ‘A’ is a crucial component of keeping your engine at a safe temperature. If you encounter engine code P2601, your vehicle may be unsafe to operate until the problem is solved, so it’s best to act fast!

Common symptoms of the P2601 engine code

Illuminated check engine

or “

service engine soon

” lights are the biggest indicators of engine code P2601. But a check engine light could mean a myriad of things. More specific things to look out for this problem include:

An overheated engine

If your car’s heater does not get hot

Coolant leaks

Can I fix the P2601 engine code myself?

We’d advise you to consult a professional mechanic to properly diagnose the problem. Correctly diagnosing and fixing engine code P2601 can be a bit tricky. And, because it is such a large safety concern, it’s best to leave this one in the hands of a pro.

MORE: How to know if a mechanic is taking too long with car repairs

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