P2601
Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
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.
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.
Related codes
Often seen with P2601
Read & clear P2601 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX