Generic fault code

P260D — PTO engaged lamp, control circuit: malfunction

Q: What usually causes code P260D?

Open circuit (broken wire or terminal). Damaged, chafed or pinched wiring. The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.

Q: What are the symptoms of code P260D?

Speedometer or cruise control not working properly. Idle too high, too low or unstable. Odd shifts on automatics, or ABS and ESP lights. These are the usual symptoms of this kind of fault: not all of them always appear, and sometimes you notice nothing.

The control unit stores code P260D when it detects this fault: “PTO engaged lamp, control circuit: malfunction”.

Indicative severity: LowSpeed, idle and auxiliary inputs

Updated on October 13, 2026

Reviewed by Daniel Morales, founder of Reprorace SL, on October 13, 2026

What does code P260D mean?

The vehicle speed sensors and idle control, the speed the engine turns at when you are not accelerating.

System: P · Powertrain
Area: Speed, idle and auxiliary inputs · Car system: Fuel and air
Type: Generic (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6): the same meaning on every make
Indicative severity: Low. Check at the next service; usually does not affect safety or driveability.

What usually causes code P260D?

Open circuit (broken wire or terminal)
Damaged, chafed or pinched wiring

The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.

What are the symptoms of code P260D?

Speedometer or cruise control not working properly
Idle too high, too low or unstable
Odd shifts on automatics, or ABS and ESP lights

These are the usual symptoms of this kind of fault: not all of them always appear, and sometimes you notice nothing.

Can I keep driving with code P260D?

Usually yes, with care. This kind of fault does not usually affect safety or how the car drives, but have it checked at the next service. If you notice anything different (jerking, noises, smells, smoke or a red warning light), stop somewhere safe and get advice.

This is guidance only: only someone who checks the car can say whether it is safe to drive.

An indicative description of the code's generic meaning. Each manufacturer may give it a different meaning, conditions or tests: always follow its service information and your workshop's advice.

What you can do yourself

For this kind of fault

Note whether the fault appears with something specific, such as braking, switching on the air conditioning or turning the wheel: it helps the workshop find the input at fault.

Read the code and keep the report: with an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see it on your phone or computer, with the data captured when the fault happened.
Look for anything obvious: a loose connector, a disconnected hose, a fuel cap not closed properly or a low fluid level. Do not take apart anything you do not know.
Clear the code only after writing it down or after the repair. Clearing turns the light off, but it also deletes the freeze-frame data and the readiness monitors used at the inspection.
Drive normally for a few days and read the codes again. If the code comes back, the fault is still there: book the workshop and bring the report.

Read your car's fault codes on your phone

With an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see the codes in your account, with the data captured when the fault happened, and your workshop can check them remotely, always with your permission.

See the ECO-LITE Reserve (presale)

Related codes

P255EPTO speed selector sensor/switch 2, circuit: intermittent/erratic
P260APTO, control circuit open
P260BPTO, control circuit: signal low
P2611A/C refrigerant distribution valve A, control circuit open
P2612A/C refrigerant distribution valve A, control circuit: signal low
P2613A/C refrigerant distribution valve A, control circuit: signal high

P26xx codes: output signals, intake heater and fuel pump

All fault codes