Known Issues/P26BB/Chevrolet

P26BB on Chevrolet

Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "C" Range/Performance

Moderate1 Chevrolet model affectedSystem: Powertrain
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P26BB on Chevrolet vehicles indicates engine coolant bypass valve "c" range/performance. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Chevrolet model — most commonly on Silverado 1500. A generic OBD-II code indicating engine coolant bypass valve C is electrically operating but its performance (actual coolant flow/temperature response versus expected) is out of range. On some vehicles this can appear transiently during the valve break-in period and self-clear after further actuations.

Common Causes of P26BB

  • •Coolant bypass valve C sticking or slow to respond
  • •Debris/contamination affecting valve travel
  • •Valve break-in variation (low mileage)
  • •Coolant flow restriction
  • •Valve wear or internal fault
  • •Faulty ECM (rare)

P26BB on Chevrolet by Model

Chevrolet Silverado 1500(1 issue)

  • 3.0L Duramax (LM2) engine coolant control valve failure (GM Special Coverage N252508341)2021-2022

    Silverado 1500 trucks with the 3.0L LM2 Duramax inline-6 turbodiesel are prone to failure of the electronically actuated engine coolant control valve. Failure illuminates the check-engine light, can leave cooling fans running after the key is off (draining the battery), and in some cases causes the engine to run hotter than normal. A frequent root cause is corrosion/terminal damage in the coolant flow control valve actuator harness connector. GM announced Special Coverage N252508341 (September 2025) extending warranty to 15 years / 150,000 miles from in-service date for the affected valve on 2021-2022 Silverado 1500 (and 2021-2023 Tahoe/Suburban and GMC/Cadillac siblings). Owners have reported multi-month back-orders on the replacement valve (part 40009644).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does P26BB mean on Chevrolet?▼

P26BB stands for "Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "C" Range/Performance." A generic OBD-II code indicating engine coolant bypass valve C is electrically operating but its performance (actual coolant flow/temperature response versus expected) is out of range. On some vehicles this can appear transiently during the valve break-in period and self-clear after further actuations. On Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.

What causes P26BB on Chevrolet vehicles?▼

Common causes on Chevrolet: Coolant bypass valve C sticking or slow to respond, Debris/contamination affecting valve travel, Valve break-in variation (low mileage), Coolant flow restriction, Valve wear or internal fault. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.

How much does it cost to fix P26BB on a Chevrolet?▼

Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Chevrolet model.

Which Chevrolet models have P26BB documented?▼

Au7o has documented P26BB on 1 Chevrolet model: Silverado 1500.

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