Urgent Help Needed: Overheating and P261C Code After Coolant Overflow

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Brickphx, Oct 3, 2023.

  1. Brickphx

    Brickphx Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2023
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    Phoenix,az
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Hey fellow car enthusiasts,

    I hope you're all doing well. I'm reaching out to this forum in desperate need of help and guidance. Currently, I'm going through an extremely tough time and find myself living out of my car due to challenging circumstances.

    Recently, I experienced a concerning issue with my car while driving. As I was attempting to top off the coolant, the car unexpectedly took in a considerable amount—approximately a gallon and a half. In an attempt to address what seemed like an insatiable need for coolant, I added more. Suddenly, the car's warning lights illuminated, resembling a Christmas tree, and it eventually stalled on the road.

    After managing to get to a safe parking spot, I noticed that the coolant had overflowed from the reservoir. To make matters worse, the check engine light came on, and upon scanning the car, I received a P261C code.

    I'm aware that this code pertains to the engine coolant pump "B" control circuit/open. Considering my challenging circumstances, I'm seeking advice on the most cost-effective way to address this issue. I'm not in a position to invest heavily in repairs, but I need my car to be operational for both shelter and transportation.

    If anyone has experience or knowledge related to this issue or suggestions for budget-friendly repairs or troubleshooting steps, I would be immensely grateful for your insights and assistance.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and I appreciate any help you can provide.
     
    #1 Brickphx, Oct 3, 2023
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    11,535
    4,672
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Cheapest way is to clear the code and wait for it to come back... That particular problem can be intermittent at first. If it does throw that code again then aftermarket pumps for Gen3 are cheap and easy to install...

    But the main issue is likely your engine has a headgasket going bad if you're using that much coolant. If you hear a sucking sound when you open the coolant resevoir that confirms it. Some people can go years with this problem and it will use more and more coolant as time goes by... As long as engine doesn't run too rough you can keep going. But when engine starts vibrating too much you can damage transmission dampener.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Oct 3, 2023
  3. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    6,790
    3,565
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    mmmm you make it seem as though you are driving, and adding coolant, then all the dash
    lights came on?????

    Either you have a leak, and the coolant is draining, or your coolant pump has failed and the
    engine is over heating causing the fluid to be pushed out of the tank.
    And you're damaging your engine, if you haven't already.

    If you search on ebay you can find just the impeller for the coolant pump for under $50.
    That's what I did.

    You should NOT be driving the car like this. You WILL damage the engine to the point of
    no return.

    You could also check the connector on the coolant pump. Remove it and check for water.
    If it has water in it, spray wd40 in it to clean it out and try to use a rage to dry it.
    Just MAYBE that is your problem.

     
    #3 ASRDogman, Oct 3, 2023
    Brian1954 likes this.
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,437
    39,633
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    What’s the miles?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Oct 3, 2023
  5. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2021
    1,364
    516
    0
    Location:
    South Central PA, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    The OP created a new thread on September 13 for this same issue. He never responded to the questions that were asked until today at approximately the same time that he created this new thread. He still has not answered the question about the mileage.

    Here is the link to his first thread: https://priuschat.com/index.php?threads/243576/
    The OP has been driving this car with an overheating problem for the last 8 weeks.

    I am guessing that he overheated the engine very badly, and it may be time for an engine replacement

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 Brian1954, Oct 3, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2023
    Kromis likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)