P263F is reserved for engines with a second glow plug control module, for instance one per cylinder bank on large V engines; it reports that this second unit has exceeded its permitted internal temperature. No manufacturer documents P263F publicly, and the documented North American V8 diesels from Ford and GM manage all eight plugs with a single module, so they only use the module 1 code P263E. The logic would match that code: GM's L5P sets module 1 overheating above 123 °C during glowing, Ford's 6.7 L above 125 °C. CARB requires glow plugs to be monitored as one component. Likely triggers are high-current or shorted plugs on the bank served by module 2, extended glowing in severe cold, or an internal module fault. Cold starting suffers on one bank.
Low severity. Can I keep driving?You can keep driving, although cold starts will be harder. Avoid cranking the starter repeatedly on cold days.
Symptoms
- Check engine light, glow lamp flashing
- Harder cold start, uneven running until warm
Most likely causes
- High-current or shorted glow plugs on the bank served by module 2
- Long or repeated glow phases in severe cold
- Internal fault or poor cooling of glow plug module 2
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P263F means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 6: Control modules and outputs
- 3F: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P263F?
You can keep driving, although cold starts will be harder. Avoid cranking the starter repeatedly on cold days.
What causes code P263F?
The most common causes are: high-current or shorted glow plugs on the bank served by module 2; long or repeated glow phases in severe cold; internal fault or poor cooling of glow plug module 2.
Related codes
- P263EGlow Plug Control Module 1 Over Temperature
- P263CGlow Plug Control Driver Performance
- P06F5Glow Plug Control Module 2
- P06FAGlow Plug Control Module 2 Performance
- P06FCGlow Plug Control Module 2 to PCM Communication Circuit
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
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.