P026A
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P026A
I’ve read a couple threads on this already. But didn’t see much as far as narrowing in on the exact issue. I will start with the sensor, but wanted to see if anyone knew the ohms range I should be seeing when I pull mine and check it. Also, assuming the sensor is good, where should I go from there?
Also, recently had a local shop do the coolant system change (~2weeks ago). Any chance that this code could be related to that?
Lastly, I had an accident last week. The rear bumper of the car I got pushed into sheared the inlet tube to the transmission cooler off. I replaced the cooler, and refilled the atf. I don’t think they’d be related, but I’m far from an expert.
Thanks for any help
Also, recently had a local shop do the coolant system change (~2weeks ago). Any chance that this code could be related to that?
Lastly, I had an accident last week. The rear bumper of the car I got pushed into sheared the inlet tube to the transmission cooler off. I replaced the cooler, and refilled the atf. I don’t think they’d be related, but I’m far from an expert.
Thanks for any help
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Tucson, AZ
This DTC sets when the PCM detects that the modeled charge air cooler efficiency differs from the measured charge air cooler (Intercooler) efficiency by greater than a calibrated value for 10 seconds.
Cause:
Cause:
- Low charge air cooler (CAC) coolant level
- Restricted CAC
- Restricted CAC coolant inlet hose
- Restricted CAC coolant outlet hose
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Thank you for the feedback. Going through the checklist you gave, I noticed that the coolant was low. At the shop that had changed the coolant, they topped off both sides of the coolant systems and cleared the code. Drove about 2 hours with no problems. Check engine light came back on and when I got home, checked fluids. Both reservoirs are low again. I haven’t had any problems with overheating, even pulling a trailer today and I was trying to pay attention for any fluids leaking (didn’t notice anything). The 2 cooling systems should be independent of each other as I understand it, or is there someplace that they have a common water passage? Maybe it’s forcing fluid out with higher pressure at freeway speeds?
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 60
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From: Tucson, AZ
Thank you for the feedback. Going through the checklist you gave, I noticed that the coolant was low. At the shop that had changed the coolant, they topped off both sides of the coolant systems and cleared the code. Drove about 2 hours with no problems. Check engine light came back on and when I got home, checked fluids. Both reservoirs are low again. I haven’t had any problems with overheating, even pulling a trailer today and I was trying to pay attention for any fluids leaking (didn’t notice anything). The 2 cooling systems should be independent of each other as I understand it, or is there someplace that they have a common water passage? Maybe it’s forcing fluid out with higher pressure at freeway speeds?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 764
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From: Elephant Butte NM
Must be the day for the PO26A error Charge Air below threshold. Mine just through the code and here I am. I'll heck the list, is this a common error? I just turned 100K and it's been trouble free so far. Will this affect shifting while towing? I was pulling my 14K 5w in tow mode and it seems to loss power shifting from 4-5 on cruise.
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Crazy, I am at 108,000 and trouble free till now as well. Tomorrow I will be digging around and looking for leaks. I noticed mine has a hard shift now from 3-4 but was thinking I might be a bit low on fluid. Maybe they are somehow related?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 764
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From: Elephant Butte NM
Be interested in what you find, I won't be home for 8 days to dig into mine. I'll check fluids today and give it a quick look, My mileage is almost exact with yours. Other than batteries this is the first issue and a recall a couple years back.
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I spent several days refilling, driving looking for leaks and repeating the process. It appears that the shop I had do the coolant change for the sake of “convenience” just left me really low on fluid. After about 2 gallons on the primary system and 2.5 on the secondary system both reservoirs are maintaining their levels and the idiot light turned itself off. Transmission is still shifting hard from 3rd to forth, so I betting it’s a separate issue. I’ve been doing some reading about them and it appears this is a somewhat common problem. One battle at a time
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 194
From: Elephant Butte NM
I spent several days refilling, driving looking for leaks and repeating the process. It appears that the shop I had do the coolant change for the sake of “convenience” just left me really low on fluid. After about 2 gallons on the primary system and 2.5 on the secondary system both reservoirs are maintaining their levels and the idiot light turned itself off. Transmission is still shifting hard from 3rd to forth, so I betting it’s a separate issue. I’ve been doing some reading about them and it appears this is a somewhat common problem. One battle at a time
1st Gear
Joined: May 2022
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on these?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 194
From: Elephant Butte NM
P026A code, it's back and I'm back to this post. I have replaced both water pumps and while I was there the Vacuum pump that was leaking oil. I'm still loosing water from the secondary, about a gallon in 600-700 miles, where do I look next?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,507
Likes: 121
From: Oregon
Remove the plastic charge pipe from the charge air cooler and look into the cooler for coolant pooling I’m the bottom of it. If there is the cooler is leaking internally and will need to be replaced.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 194
From: Elephant Butte NM
Been out of state for most of the month, You called that one, the charge air is leaking, I'll get to that next week. Thanks!
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