P26F1: Starter Relay A Stuck Off

P26F1 is the opposite case to P26F0: the module commands starter relay A on, but the expected reaction never arrives, so the starter receives no power. Possible reasons are burnt or contaminated contacts, a coil that no longer pulls in, or a missing feed on the load side, for example a blown fuse or a loose battery cable at the relay. No maker documents P26F1 publicly. As reference points remain FCA, whose Jeep bulletins treat its two starter relays as separately monitored outputs and describe intermittent no-crank conditions, and GM, whose 2018 tables monitor the starter relay A driver. Because a dead relay looks like a dead starter, check whether the starter terminal receives voltage during cranking before replacing the motor.

Symptoms

• Engine does not crank, or only after several attempts
• Check engine light
• No restart after an automatic stop

Most likely causes

• Burnt or dirty contacts in starter relay A
• Blown fuse or loose power cable on the load side of the relay
• Relay coil no longer pulling in
• Feedback wire to the module interrupted

What to check, in order

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

1. Check the battery voltage
2. Use the scanner to command the movement and compare the actual position with the requested one.
3. Try another key, if you have one
4. Check the fuses and the starter relay
5. Check the wiring and the signal to the starter motor

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: easy
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P26F1 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 6: Control modules and outputs
• F1: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P26F1?

If it starts normally you can keep driving, but avoid stopping anywhere you could not get help, because it might not restart.

What causes code P26F1?

The most common causes are: burnt or dirty contacts in starter relay A; blown fuse or loose power cable on the load side of the relay; relay coil no longer pulling in.

Related codes

• P26F0Starter Relay A Stuck On
• P26F3Starter Relay B Stuck Off
• P0615Starter Relay A Circuit
• P0616Starter Relay A Circuit Low

Sources

• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10162559 9999
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 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.