P266F: A/C Refrigerant Distribution Valve A Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High

Refrigerant distribution valve A is a solenoid that opens or closes one branch of the A/C circuit, for instance a rear evaporator or a battery chiller. Its driver stage in the control module protects itself: when the output current rises above its limit or the chip overheats, it switches off and reports P266F. That usually means the load draws too much, through a shorted coil, a short in the harness or a valve that is mechanically stuck. No manufacturer documents P266F publicly; Ford lists only the open-circuit code P2611 for the same valve, and suppliers such as Egelhof build these shut-off valves as simple on/off solenoids. Unlike P2611 to P2613, which flag open and shorted wiring, P266F concerns the protection of the driver itself. The affected branch then stays closed.

Low severity. Can I keep driving?Yes, you can keep driving. The air conditioning may not work.

Symptoms

One A/C zone or the battery cooling stays inactive
Fault may return after cooling down

Most likely causes

Valve coil with shorted turns drawing excessive current
Short in the valve harness or connector
Valve mechanically stuck so the coil stays loaded
Overheated or defective driver stage in the control module

What to check, in order

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

Check the sensor pressure in live data
Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
Check the relay and connector
Have the refrigerant charge and any leaks checked at a repair shop authorized to handle refrigerant

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium

What each character of P266F means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
2: Generic code: same on every make
6: Control modules and outputs
6F: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P266F?

Yes, you can keep driving. The air conditioning may not work.

What causes code P266F?

The most common causes are: valve coil with shorted turns drawing excessive current; short in the valve harness or connector; valve mechanically stuck so the coil stays loaded.

Related codes

Sources

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.