Where a vehicle has two sound actuators, for instance one flap per tailpipe side or a valve in addition to an intake sound tube, B designates the second one. P26EC is stored when its drive circuit is broken, so switching the output produces no current. No manufacturer documents P26EC or the rest of the B row in public; information exists only for circuit A, such as Nissan's GT-R muffler valve, and for related exhaust valve drivers that Ford checks for open circuits over 5 seconds. Which physical part is B therefore has to come from the wiring diagram of the specific car. CARB treats outputs like this as monitored components where emissions can be affected. Expect the second valve to stay inactive while the engine runs normally.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
Symptoms
- Check engine light, depending on the manufacturer
- Sound changes only on one side or not at all
Most likely causes
- Connector of the second actuator loose or disconnected
- Wire to actuator B broken, for example by heat or vibration
- Open winding inside actuator B
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 P26EC means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 6: Control modules and outputs
- EC: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P26EC?
If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
What causes code P26EC?
The most common causes are: connector of the second actuator loose or disconnected; wire to actuator B broken, for example by heat or vibration; open winding inside actuator B.
Related codes
- P26EDEngine Sound Control B Circuit Low
- P26EEEngine Sound Control B Circuit High
- P26EFEngine Sound Control B Circuit Performance
- P26DBEngine Sound Control A Circuit/Open
- P2BF8Exhaust Flow Control Valve B Control Circuit/Open
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10237833 0001
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.