P261C on Audi
Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit Low
P261C on Audi vehicles indicates coolant pump "b" control circuit low. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Audi model — most commonly on A6. This code indicates the engine control module detected an abnormally low voltage (a short to ground) on the control circuit for electric coolant pump "B." That auxiliary pump circulates coolant to support engine, turbocharger, hybrid, or A/C cooling. A low/short condition means the circuit is not behaving correctly, and the computer can lose reliable control of the pump, which risks inadequate cooling and overheating of the affected system. Typical repair costs on Audi range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P261C
- •Control wiring shorted to ground
- •Internally shorted/failed coolant pump
- •Corroded or damaged pump connector
- •Chafed wiring contacting chassis ground
- •Faulty pump relay or power circuit
- •ECM/PCM driver circuit fault (rare)
P261C 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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View P261C across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P261C mean on Audi?▼
P261C stands for "Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit Low." This code indicates the engine control module detected an abnormally low voltage (a short to ground) on the control circuit for electric coolant pump "B." That auxiliary pump circulates coolant to support engine, turbocharger, hybrid, or A/C cooling. A low/short condition means the circuit is not behaving correctly, and the computer can lose reliable control of the pump, which risks inadequate cooling and overheating of the affected system. On Audi specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P261C on Audi vehicles?▼
Common causes on Audi: Control wiring shorted to ground, Internally shorted/failed coolant pump, Corroded or damaged pump connector, Chafed wiring contacting chassis ground, Faulty pump relay or power circuit. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P261C 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 P261C documented?▼
Au7o has documented P261C on 1 Audi model: A6.