TDI 140hp Coolant Pump Fault Code P261A00

[Lyons]

Hi folks, I have a runabout 2010 Passat Highline
2.0 TDi 140hp that has been giving a bit of bother recently. I’ve noticed an excess of smoke and exhaust fumes in the rear view mirror, and a significant drop in consumption.

I have a Carista dongle and a few weeks ago I got a fault code P261A00 which after a quick google suggests it’s for a coolant pump which seems to be linked to the EGR. I reset the code and I believe the smoke went away, and consumption improved drastically. The last few days the smoke has returned and the consumption has plummeted again- I got 400miles to a tank compared to the usual 600-650.

Could the coolant pump be at fault, or are all signs pointing towards the EGR valve itself?

Any suggestions?!

Thanks in advance!

[Crasher]

I can't see that being related, to me it suggests the ECU is trying to do a DPF regeneration and it can't, check the DPF SOOT loading figures.