P260E

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Particulate Filter Regeneration Lamp Control Circuit

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 23 EN: 652 RU: 23

AI status

Completed

ready

Completed 100%

Page language: EN

Causes

Burned-out bulb or failed LED in the DPF regeneration indicator
Blown fuse for instrument cluster / lamp circuit
Open or shorted wiring between lamp and driver (ECM/BCM)
Corroded, loose, or damaged connector or ground
Failed lamp driver transistor or output stage in ECM/BCM/instrument cluster
CAN or data-bus communication error preventing proper lamp control

Symptoms

DPF regeneration indicator lamp does not illuminate when it should
DPF regen lamp continuously on, stuck on, or flickering
No visible reaction of the indicator during forced regeneration request
Relevant MIL or cluster warning related to DPF or lamp circuit
Possible related DPF regeneration sequence issues reported by vehicle

What to check

Scan for P260E plus any related DTCs (U-codes, cluster or BCM codes) and record freeze frame data
Visually inspect indicator lamp, socket, connectors and wiring for damage or corrosion
Check relevant fuses and replace if blown
Verify good ground at lamp chassis ground point (
Backprobe lamp connector while commanding lamp ON to confirm voltage or ground switching
Measure continuity between lamp and driver connector pins (open circuit or short to ground/power)

Signal parameters

Lamp feed voltage: battery voltage (~11–14.5 V) present at feed pin when lamp is powered
Driver output: either switched +12 V or switched ground depending on vehicle design — should toggle when commanded
Lamp current (incandescent): typically tens to hundreds of mA; LED indicators draw much less (mA range)
Open-circuit indication: infinite/very high resistance between lamp and driver when lamp removed
Ground resistance: chassis ground to battery negative should be
Short condition: near 0 ohms between feed and ground when fuse removed indicates harness short

Diagnostic algorithm

Connect a diagnostic scanner, read and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data. Note any communication errors.
Confirm whether the lamp is functional: visually inspect and, if unsure, remove lamp and bench-test with 12 V (use appropriate current-limited source for LEDs).
Check fuses related to instrument cluster/indicator circuits; replace if blown and retest.
Inspect connectors and wiring between the instrument cluster (or lamp assembly) and the controlling module. Look for pin corrosion, bent pins, chafing or heat damage.
Backprobe the lamp connector while commanding a lamp ON from the scanner or by initiating a regeneration request. Verify the control signal toggles (either battery voltage present or switched to ground) and compare to expected signal params.
Measure continuity/resistance from lamp pin back to the module driver pin; repair any open circuits. Wiggle harness while observing signal to reproduce intermittent faults.
If wiring and lamp are good, test the driver output at the module. Use a lab scope if available to verify switching waveform and current draw. Check for short to battery or ground.
If the module driver is faulty and wiring/lamp are confirmed good, consider replacing or repairing the module per manufacturer procedure. Check for software updates or reflash requirements after replacement.
Clear codes and perform a test where the lamp should operate (forced regen or ignition cycles). Confirm no return of P260E and that indicator behaviour is correct.

Likely causes

Faulty lamp (bulb or LED) or lamp socket corrosion
Blown fuse or poor ground at lamp circuit
Broken wire or pinched harness to the lamp/cluster
Failed output driver inside BCM/ECM/instrument cluster
Loss of communication between modules controlling the lamp

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Stored when the vehicle control module detects an open, short, excessive current draw, or driver failure in the DPF regeneration lamp control circuit. May accompany communication or cluster errors and can disable proper lamp indication during regeneration.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-3.0 hours