P261A on Audi
Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit/Open
P261A on Audi vehicles indicates coolant pump "b" control circuit/open. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Audi model — most commonly on A6. This code sets when the engine control module detects an open (broken) circuit in the control wiring for electric coolant pump "B," an auxiliary pump that circulates coolant for engine, turbo, hybrid, or A/C cooling. An open circuit means the computer cannot drive the pump at all, so coolant may not move when needed. If the pump cannot run, the affected component can overheat, making this an important code to address promptly. Typical repair costs on Audi range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P261A
- •Open or broken wire in the pump control circuit
- •Disconnected or corroded pump connector
- •Failed electric auxiliary coolant pump
- •Faulty pump relay or loss of power feed
- •Poor ground connection
- •ECM/PCM driver fault (less common)
P261A on Audi by Model
Audi A6(1 issue)
- Water Pump and Thermostat Failure (Overheating)2005-2023
Water pump failures are common across all A6 generations due to plastic impeller degradation and seal leaks. Audi uses plastic impellers that crack or disintegrate over time (typically 80,000-120,000 miles), causing coolant leaks and overheating. The water pump is often driven by the timing belt or timing chain, so replacement is recommended during timing service to save labor. Thermostat housings also crack due to heat cycling, causing coolant leaks and erratic temperature readings. Symptoms include coolant leaks under the car, overheating in traffic, temperature gauge fluctuations, and coolant warning lights. Ignoring a failed water pump can lead to severe engine overheating, warped cylinder heads, and blown head gaskets ($3,000-$5,000 repair). Some models have electric auxiliary water pumps that also fail, causing poor heater performance.
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What does P261A mean on Audi?▼
P261A stands for "Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit/Open." This code sets when the engine control module detects an open (broken) circuit in the control wiring for electric coolant pump "B," an auxiliary pump that circulates coolant for engine, turbo, hybrid, or A/C cooling. An open circuit means the computer cannot drive the pump at all, so coolant may not move when needed. If the pump cannot run, the affected component can overheat, making this an important code to address promptly. On Audi specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P261A on Audi vehicles?▼
Common causes on Audi: Open or broken wire in the pump control circuit, Disconnected or corroded pump connector, Failed electric auxiliary coolant pump, Faulty pump relay or loss of power feed, Poor ground connection. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P261A on a Audi?▼
Repair costs on Audi range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Audi models have P261A documented?▼
Au7o has documented P261A on 1 Audi model: A6.