P2426

EGR Cooling Valve Control Circuit Low

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2426?

It's usually fine for short-term driving since this is an emissions-control circuit. But EGR cooling affects combustion temperatures, so have it repaired before long or heavy-load trips.

Q: Can I just clear P2426?

You can, but this is a circuit fault — it returns until the cooling valve solenoid or its wiring is repaired.

EGR / emissions Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P2426 means the ECM has detected low voltage (typically a short to ground or an open) on the control circuit for the EGR cooling valve — the valve that routes exhaust gas through the EGR cooler. It's primarily an emissions-control fault, so the car usually drives normally. The common causes are a failed valve solenoid or a wiring/connector problem.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Usually drivable — this is mainly an emissions control fault, though prolonged EGR cooling problems can raise combustion temperatures over time.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

284

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P2426 scans

P0047in 70.1% of scans

P261Ain 54.9% of scans

P261Bin 36.6% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Often no noticeable change in how the car drives
Possible increase in NOx emissions
May fail an emissions test

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed EGR cooling (cooler bypass) valve solenoidLikely
Short to ground or open in the control wiringCommon
Corroded or loose valve connectorCommon
Poor ground or chafed harness at the valveLess often
Faulty ECM driver (less common)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check for related EGR codes.
Inspect the EGR cooling valve connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or a short to ground.
Measure the valve solenoid's resistance and compare to spec.
Check the control wiring for a short to ground or open back to the ECM.
If wiring is good but the solenoid is out of spec, replace the EGR cooling valve. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2426?+

It's usually fine for short-term driving since this is an emissions-control circuit. But EGR cooling affects combustion temperatures, so have it repaired before long or heavy-load trips.

Can I just clear P2426?+

You can, but this is a circuit fault — it returns until the cooling valve solenoid or its wiring is repaired.

Read & clear P2426 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX