3 Way Coolant Valve

[Thamelau]

I haven't had much luck with the search function on this question in particular, sorry if it has been hit on before.

I have had the P26AB CEL on my 2015 Ram Ecodiesel for some time now. I initially replaced it with an off brand 3 way valve and the code didn't clear. Read that was a bad idea so I then replaced it with an OEM valve. Same thing. Checked the recommended spots for broken wires. Nothing. Checked voltage. Seemed to check out. As a stop gap solution I threw a tee in there so that I could have flow both ways all the time.

From my reading it seems that if the heater is turned on then the 3 way valve will provide coolant to the heater core. If the heater is not on, it sends coolant to the tranny warmer. Then when things get to temp, it opens full flow to both the tranny and heater.

Is this all correct information?
Are there any risks associated with what I did long term?

 

[reyokonova]

im curius about this as well since I'm in the position of I have no heat and wondering if the valve is the issue I odly enough talked to @SitKneelBend about this and the function you described is exactly how he said it works so only issue I would see is if it damages the trans to not get full heat as fast or if this is a economy thing would be my question.

 

[rjohnson7581]

I just replaced mine a couple months ago on a 2021 1500 Classic SLT. The engine light came on, looked up the code and found it was the 3 way valve. Coolant was leaking out around where it's screwed together so maybe a bad seal. I bought an off brand online which was a mistake. It was cracked when it arrived. I then ordered a new one off Rock Auto, I believe it was Westlake brand. I installed it and engine light didn't go away. I went back under to check it out and realized I was trying to be quick and forgot to plug it in. I plugged it in, cleared the code and no issues since.

If the engine light is still on after replacing, it's possible the valve could be faulty. Even though you checked the voltage, it could also be a wiring issue or connector issue. I have a mechanic buddy who said he's seen that before and that the 3 way valve was stupid to put on in the first place.