OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P26A0 Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Performance
The aftertreatment glow plug heats but exhaust temperature does not rise as expected. Combustion of injected HC may not start.
Is it safe to drive with P26A0?
Usually safe for short trips, but don’t ignore it: the underlying fault can get more expensive over time.
Common causes
- Most likelyAged glow plug heats slowly or unevenly
- PossibleHC supply from 7th injector below required
Symptoms
- Glow plug warning light on (often orange coil symbol)
- Hard cold start or no start in cold weather
- White smoke from exhaust during warm-up
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Hard
- DIY friendly
- Best left to a mechanic
- Typical labour
- 1.5–5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- Parts involved
- Aftertreatment Glow Plug, Exhaust Temperature Sensor
Related codes
- P269DExhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Control Circuit Low
- P269EExhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Control Circuit High
- P269FExhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit / Open
- P26A1Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit Low
- P26A2Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Circuit High
- P26A3Engine Coolant Bypass Valve A Range/Performance
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.