U0261 Diagnostic Trouble Code

U0261 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic U-Network 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 U0261 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Fuel pressure too low
Rich or lean exhaust
Diminished fuel efficiency
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated

Possible Causes :

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

Repair Processes :

If all testing has passed so far yet you still have the same code, check your scan tool and see if it can open and close the IMRC valve. Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. If the engine displays a miss and there wasn't a code, determine which cylinder is misfiring. If the exhaust manifold is visible, spay or pour a small amount of water on each cylinder exhaust port. Water will evaporate immediately on good cylinders and slowly on the missing cylinder. If this can't be accomplished pull the plugs and check the condition.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code U0261 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 U0261.

Fortunately, U0261 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

U0261 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

U0261 Mercedes-benz W111 Air Suspension LF Air Spring Solenoid Output Circuit Open
U0261 Chrysler Airflite Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Intermittent
U0261 Mercedes-benz Smart Air Suspension Front Pneumatic Failure
U0261 Tvr Grantura Power Door Memory Lock Relay Circuit Short To Ground
U0261 Renault Clio 2 Gear Shift Module Communication Circuit
U0261 Mercedes-benz 600 Air Bag Tone Warning Indicator Circuit Short to Battery
U0261 Toyota 1000 Multi-faults - Bank 2 - With Low Side Shorts