C0261 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0261 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C0261 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Fuel pressure too low
Rich or lean exhaust
Diminished fuel efficiency
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
Faulty IMRC actuator/sensor

Repair Processes :

You might continue by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data. With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0261 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before C0261.

Fortunately, C0261 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

C0261 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

C0261 Vauxhall Magnum Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance
C0261 Land Rover Defender Steering Column Switch Circuit Failure
C0261 Zil 111 SCP (J1850) Single Ended (-) Circuit Failure
C0261 Ferrari California Interior Fan Control Circuit Short to Ground
C0261 Ford Contour MAF Sensor In Range But Lower Than Expected
C0261 Ford F-350
C0261 Mazda 6 Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate 'C' Short Circuit To Ground