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2016 1.6T 6mt P26A3 code: coolant bypass valve, hot temp issue

4.5K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  155165  
#1 ·
Hey ya’ll, just wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar issue. Yesterday was one of the hotter days we’ve had this year, at 92F ambient air temp. 99% sure this isn’t related, but Friday I had a front-end alignment done, and the next time I drove the car, the CEL turned on (solid), the temp gauge shot up to 3/4 while driving around 50mph. I turned the HVAC defrost on full speed/heat w/AC on, and the temp gauge almost immediately dropped back to normal. Pulled over and checked coolant level = normal. No loss of fluids, no noises, no driving symptoms other than the temp gauge and a CEL.

CEL code P26A3. This code doesn’t seem to be anywhere for the Juke, but what I see for various other models is an issue with the coolant bypass valve.Today I drove the car around my neighborhood and tried to recreate the issue, but I can’t reproduce it. While driving, it wants to sit in the 156-165 range, and it won’t get hotter than 205-208F idling, and its 90F outside here. Coolant is two years old, running Nissan OE blue. Still have original t-stats.

I’m thinking this sounds like the upper thermostat, near the throttle body. Does my logic track?
 
#2 ·
Keep an eye on your engine temp. Since it is not doing it presently. No need to throw parts at it yet.
 
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#3 ·
If your checking coolant levels by looking in the overflow tank, you're going to have a bad day,. Always check by taking the radiator cap off AFTER the car has sat for several hours.

If it is full, monitor the temps and see what it does.

Also: the upper "thermostat" is actually called a water control valve, not a thermostat. The thermostat is located under the intake manifold on the back side of the water pump housing.
 
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#5 ·
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#7 ·
They fail in all positions. Just like the EGR valves. The v2's are just a poopshow lol
 
#8 ·
I’m probably underestimating, but it doesn’t look like too bad of a job. Battery and tray, intake, computer & bracketry, drain cooling system, disconnect hoses, replace? It’s been a while since I’ve been that deep into it. I replaced the intake manifold several years back. Wasn’t very fun, but did it in a day.
 
#9 ·
I would have to check, but im fairly certain there is a position relearn for it. Even if there isnt: more than just the valve itself can cause that code. Best to properly diagnose it.
 
#10 ·
I just replaced that water control valve my 2015 v2.air filter parts off gear shift cable suprt.bracket off all harnesses had to tie back 5 bolts holding it compression metal gasket .But I like to know if the valve position has to be set in a certain position before installation..I didn't it's been running great..