P261D on Audi
Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit High
P261D on Audi vehicles indicates coolant pump "b" control circuit high. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Audi model — most commonly on A6. This code indicates the engine control module detected an abnormally high voltage condition on the control circuit for electric coolant pump "B." That pump is an auxiliary coolant pump used to keep coolant circulating for engine, turbocharger, hybrid, or A/C cooling needs. A high-voltage reading usually means the circuit is open or has lost its proper ground/load, so the computer can no longer reliably drive the pump, risking inadequate cooling. Typical repair costs on Audi range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P261D
- •Open circuit in the coolant pump control wiring
- •Failed or disconnected auxiliary coolant pump
- •Corroded or loose connector at the pump
- •Poor ground in the pump circuit
- •Faulty pump relay or power feed
- •ECM/PCM driver circuit fault (rare)
P261D 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 P261D mean on Audi?▼
P261D stands for "Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit High." This code indicates the engine control module detected an abnormally high voltage condition on the control circuit for electric coolant pump "B." That pump is an auxiliary coolant pump used to keep coolant circulating for engine, turbocharger, hybrid, or A/C cooling needs. A high-voltage reading usually means the circuit is open or has lost its proper ground/load, so the computer can no longer reliably drive the pump, risking inadequate cooling. On Audi specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P261D on Audi vehicles?▼
Common causes on Audi: Open circuit in the coolant pump control wiring, Failed or disconnected auxiliary coolant pump, Corroded or loose connector at the pump, Poor ground in the pump circuit, Faulty pump relay or power feed. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P261D 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 P261D documented?▼
Au7o has documented P261D on 1 Audi model: A6.