P2601: Electric coolant pump control circuit fault or poor pump performance
Coolant Pump Control Circuit Range/Performance
Severity: Inspect soon
An electric coolant pump that does not run can let the engine or an auxiliary cooling circuit overheat. Land Rover has a bulletin linking P2601 to reduced power under load, so it should be checked soon.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop driving if the temperature gauge rises, a coolant warning appears or the engine overheats.
P2601 in short
P2601 means the computer found a fault with the coolant pump control circuit or performance, usually an electric auxiliary or main coolant pump. Causes include the pump, wiring, a connector, low coolant or the control module. Land Rover linked it to reduced power under load on 2006-07 Range Rover models.
Some engines use an electric coolant pump, either as the main pump or as an auxiliary pump for the turbocharger, heater or a separate cooling loop. The engine computer commands the pump and watches its circuit.
P2601 sets when the circuit or the pump performance is outside what the computer expects. Kelley Blue Book lists the pump, wiring or connector problems, low coolant and the control module as causes.
A Land Rover bulletin on the 2006 and 2007 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport describes reduced power under load with possible P0096 and P2601 codes; the summary does not give the repair.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Failed or weak electric coolant pump
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- KBB lists the coolant pump as a primary cause of this code.
- What would change this
- Rises if the pump does not run or is noisy when commanded. Falls if it runs normally.
Cause 2: Wiring or connector fault in the pump circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- KBB lists wiring and connector faults as common causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if the circuit has damage or corrosion. Falls if voltage and ground are good at the pump.
Cause 3: Low coolant or air in the circuit
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- KBB mentions coolant level among the checks; air or low level can make a pump perform poorly.
- What would change this
- Rises if the coolant is low. Falls if the system is full and bled.
Cause 4: Engine control module fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- KBB lists the control module as a possible cause only after other items are ruled out.
- What would change this
- Rises only after the pump and wiring test good.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: With the engine off and cool, check the coolant level in the reservoir and look for leaks.
Warning:Never open the radiator or reservoir cap on a hot engine; pressurized coolant can scald.
IfCoolant is low
It meansFind the leak, refill and bleed as the manual specifies.
IfCoolant is full
It meansCheck the pump and circuit.
Step 2: Command the coolant pump with a bidirectional scan tool and listen for it to run, then check voltage and ground at its connector.
Warning:Keep hands and tools away from belts and the cooling fan while testing with the engine running.
IfThe pump does not run and power and ground are present
It meansThe pump has failed.
IfPower or ground is missing
It meansWiring or connector is the problem.
IfThe pump runs and circuit tests good
It meansThe control module may be at fault.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power under load
- Temperature gauge rising Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power
How to fix
Step 1: With the engine off and cool, check the coolant level and top up with the type in the owner's manual.
Parts and cost context
- Engine control module (ECM / PCM):The electric coolant pump is not in our components list. Test the pump and circuit before replacing anything. Labor varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
Land RoverYour car
2006–2007 · Range Rover
Supported by vehicle dataLand Rover bulletin 00041 describes reduced power under load with possible P0096 and/or P2601 on 2006-07 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Whether it is current is not verified.
00041Status unverified
Reduced power under load, possible P0096 and/or P2601
2006–2007range-rover, range-rover-sport · NHTSA 10021973
Describes reduced power under load with possible P0096 and/or P2601 stored. The NHTSA summary does not give the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P2601 yet.
P2601 questions
Is it safe to drive with P2601?
Watch the temperature gauge closely. If the pump is not working, the engine or turbo can overheat, so stop if it rises or a warning appears.
Sources and review
- P2601 Code: Coolant Pump Control Circuit Range/Performance
- Land Rover bulletin 00041: reduced power under load with possible P0096 and/or P2601, 2006-07 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error