P026E: Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump A Performance

Some engines cool the charge air with a coolant-to-air cooler in its own low-temperature circuit with an electric pump. P026E means that pump is electrically sound but does not deliver as commanded – judged from feedback by the pump electronics or from the missing temperature drop. FCA documents it on the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2018 Stelvio with the 2.0 turbo, together with P024A, and fixed it with a software update; thresholds are not published. Air in the circuit or low coolant lets the pump run dry; hot charge air then costs power.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Loss of power in heat or under load
• Follow-up code P026A possible
• Level in the auxiliary coolant tank drops

Most likely causes

• Air in the low-temperature circuit or low coolant (pump runs dry)
• Pump faulty internally (bearing, impeller, electronics)
• Software or calibration
• Weak supply or ground, corroded connector

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. With the engine cold, check the coolant level; never do this when the system is hot
2. Compare the reading with other engine data while varying the engine speed.
3. Check the actual temperature in live data
4. Make sure the fan comes on when it should
5. Check the thermostat and connector
6. Measure the sensor and replace it if its readings do not make sense

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium
• It can trigger limp mode.
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P026E means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• 2: Fuel injection
• 6E: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P026E?

Watch the temperature gauge. If it climbs or a warning appears, stop the car in a safe place and turn off the engine: overheating can cause serious damage.

What causes code P026E?

The most common causes are: air in the low-temperature circuit or low coolant (pump runs dry); pump faulty internally (bearing, impeller, electronics); software or calibration.

Related codes

• P023ACharge Air Cooler Coolant Pump A Control Circuit/Open
• P023BCharge Air Cooler Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Low
• P023CCharge Air Cooler Coolant Pump A Control Circuit High
• P026ACharge Air Cooler Efficiency Below Threshold
• P024ACharge Air Cooler Bypass Control A Range/Performance

Sources

• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10216318 9999
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10175165 9999
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Engine Diagnostics

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.