P2601

Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2601?

Short trips may be okay, but watch the temperature gauge closely. If it climbs toward hot, stop driving — overheating can warp the head or damage the engine.

Q: Can I just clear P2601?

Clearing it won't help. If the pump or its circuit is faulty the code returns, and you risk overheating in the meantime.

Engine cooling Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P2601 means the powertrain computer commands the electric coolant pump but its control circuit is underperforming or stuck off, so coolant may not circulate as designed. On engines that lean on this pump for cooling — often turbocharged or hybrid systems — that can let temperatures climb, so it's worth addressing before the engine overheats.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Often okay for short trips, but watch the temperature gauge — if the electric coolant pump can't run, the engine or the components it cools can overheat.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

160

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

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
Engine temperature higher than normal, especially at idle or in traffic
Overheating warning during hard or extended driving
Electric coolant pump silent when it should be running

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed electric coolant pump (seized or stuck off)Likely
Open, shorted, or corroded wiring or connector in the pump control circuitCommon
Blown fuse or faulty relay feeding the pumpCommon
Poor ground or power supply to the pumpLess often
Faulty PCM or coolant-pump control module (least likely)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame and check for related coolant-pump codes (P2600, P2602, P2603).
Inspect the pump connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
Check the pump fuse and relay; confirm it has power and ground with the key on.
Command the pump with a scan tool if supported; if it won't run with good power and ground, replace the pump.
Only after wiring and pump are verified good, suspect the control module.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2601?+

Short trips may be okay, but watch the temperature gauge closely. If it climbs toward hot, stop driving — overheating can warp the head or damage the engine.

Can I just clear P2601?+

Clearing it won't help. If the pump or its circuit is faulty the code returns, and you risk overheating in the meantime.

Read & clear P2601 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