P26A5Engine Coolant Bypass Valve A Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- Here the feedback signal is electrically present but sits where a healthy valve should never be. In GM's 2016 Volt table the VICM treats readings between 5 and 30 % or between 70 and 95 % of the reference as invalid; 80 failures in 100 samples at 100 ms give a Type B fault, provided the drive codes P2682/P2683/P26AD/P26AE and P26A6/P26A7 are clear. The same GM document lists a faster 3-of-5 variant for the ELR. On the first-generation Volt (2011) this zone check was still part of P26A9. Subaru's bulletin 09-80-21 blames sensor corrosion for P26A-series codes and fits a redesigned valve. A worn sensor track, a damaged gear between motor and sensor or a mis-seated connector are the usual suspects.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light after two drives
- Engine runs too cool or warms up slowly
- Fluctuating heater output
- Likely causes
- LikelyWorn or corroded position sensor track inside the valve
- PossibleDamaged gear or coupling between valve motor and sensor
- PossibleHigh contact resistance at the valve connector
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €150 – €900
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.