P26CA on 2022-2024 Toyota Camry — Engine Coolant Pump Control Circuit Malfunction
1 vehicles · 1 makes
Most Reported On
P26CA is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Engine Coolant Pump Control Circuit Malfunction.” The ECM calculates required coolant flow from engine coolant temperature, engine speed, and vehicle speed, then commands the electric engine water pump accordingly and monitors its feedback. P26CA sets when that control circuit or feedback is wrong. Toyota's Tech Tip T-TT-0733-23 identifies the two sub-codes seen on A25A engines: P26CA14 'Engine Coolant Pump Circuit Short to Ground or Open' and P26CA31 'Engine Coolant Pump No Signal' (P26CA12 is short to battery). On A25A-FKS/FXS engines these codes commonly accompany a physical coolant leak from the water pump itself. This code is most commonly reported on 2022-2024 Toyota Camry.
Common Causes
Diagnostic Tools
This is a powertrain code, so a basic OBD-II reader can read it. These read P26CA.
ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
by ANCEL
A simple code reader for engine (P) codes on many compatible OBD-II vehicles. It does not support every vehicle or hybrid/EV application, and it does NOT read body, chassis or network codes; confirm exact-vehicle compatibility before buying.
- Read & clear engine (P) codes
- View freeze frame data
- I/M readiness status
- No batteries or app needed
BlueDriver Pro Bluetooth Scanner
by BlueDriver
Bluetooth scanner with a companion app that reads beyond the engine module — ABS, SRS and transmission — plus manufacturer-specific codes on many vehicles.
- Enhanced diagnostics (ABS, SRS, transmission)
- Repair Reports with verified fixes
- Smog check readiness
- Free app (iOS & Android)
LAUNCH CRP123X V3.0 Elite OBD-II Scanner
by LAUNCH
Handheld scanner covering the four major systems (engine, transmission, ABS, SRS) with live data streaming and graphing.
- Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS diagnostics
- Live data stream & graphing
- AutoVIN for vehicle identification
- Free lifetime updates via Wi-Fi
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S Diagnostic Tool
by Autel
Shop-level tablet with all-system coverage and bi-directional control, so you can command a module rather than only read it.
- All-system diagnostics (25+ modules)
- Bi-directional control & active tests
- Oil reset, EPB, BMS, TPMS, injector coding
- 7-inch touchscreen with Android OS
What you can do yourself, and what needs a shop
Reading the code, clearing it, and watching whether it returns is a driveway job with the right scanner. These steps are not:
- Module programming or software updates — needs the manufacturer software or a J2534 pass-through with a paid subscription.
- Replacing a control module — most are VIN-programmed and immobilizer-registered, so a new one does nothing until it is coded to your car.
- Airbag/SRS component work — a stored fault can deploy a live device.
If the vehicle is still under warranty, check for an open recall or technical service bulletin before buying anything — the repair may already be covered.
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FAQ
What does P26CA mean?
P26CA stands for "Engine Coolant Pump Control Circuit Malfunction." The ECM calculates required coolant flow from engine coolant temperature, engine speed, and vehicle speed, then commands the electric engine water pump accordingly and monitors its feedback. P26CA sets when that control circuit or feedback is wrong. Toyota's Tech Tip T-TT-0733-23 identifies the two sub-codes seen on A25A engines: P26CA14 'Engine Coolant Pump Circuit Short to Ground or Open' and P26CA31 'Engine Coolant Pump No Signal' (P26CA12 is short to battery). On A25A-FKS/FXS engines these codes commonly accompany a physical coolant leak from the water pump itself.
What are the most common causes of P26CA?
The most common causes of P26CA are: Electric engine water pump internal failure, Coolant leaking from the water pump into the pump's electronics/connector, Open, short-to-ground, or short-to-battery in the water pump control circuit wiring, Corroded or water-intruded water pump connector, Blown fuse or ECM driver fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P26CA?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and vehicle.
Which vehicles are affected by P26CA?
Au7o has documented P26CA across 1 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Toyota.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.