RAM Code P026A is a diagnostic trouble code that refers to a problem with the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) efficiency. This code is triggered when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that the CAC Temperature Sensor reading is above the calibrated threshold for a cumulative total of 120 seconds. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as a faulty Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor, Charge Air Cooler Fins blocked from debris, or a faulty Cooling Fan. Fortunately, several Service Bulletins are available for RAM Code P026A to help diagnose and fix the issue.
📢Read also: RAM Code P2299
Causes and Solutions for RAM Code P026A
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| CHARGE AIR COOLER TEMPERATURE SENSOR | Replace the Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor |
| CHARGE AIR COOLER FINS BLOCKED FROM DEBRIS | Unblock the Charge Air Cooler Fins from debris |
| COOLING FAN FAULTY | Replace the Cooling Fan |
| AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR | Replace the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor |
Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor
When a RAM Code P026A is triggered, the first thing to check is the Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor. If the sensor is faulty, it can cause the PCM to interpret the air temperature reading as too high, which will trigger the code. The Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor must be replaced to fix this.
Charge Air Cooler Fins Blocked From Debris
Another common cause of a RAM Code P026A is if the Charge Air Cooler Fins are blocked from debris. If the fins are blocked, they cannot dissipate the heat properly, which will cause the air temperature to be read as too high. The debris must be removed from the Charge Air Cooler Fins to fix this.
👀Look at this: RAM Code P0721
Cooling Fan Faulty
A faulty Cooling Fan can also trigger the RAM Code P026A. If the Cooling Fan is not working properly, it will not be able to dissipate the heat properly, which will cause the air temperature to be read as too high. To fix this, the Cooling Fan needs to be replaced.
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
A faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor is the last common cause of a RAM Code P026A. If the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor is defective, it can cause the PCM to interpret the air temperature reading as too high, which will trigger the code. To fix this, the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor needs to be replaced.
💥See also: RAM Code U1418
Conclusion
In conclusion, RAM Code P026A is a diagnostic trouble code that refers to a problem with the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) efficiency. This code is triggered when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that the CAC Temperature Sensor reading is above the calibrated threshold for 120 seconds. The most common causes of this code are a faulty Charge Air Cooler Temperature Sensor, Charge Air Cooler Fins blocked from debris, a faulty Cooling Fan, or a faulty Ambient Air Temperature Sensor. Fortunately, some Service Bulletins are available for RAM Code P026A to help diagnose and fix the issue.