P2560 Engine Coolant Level Low

OBD-II DTC Datasheet

Low engine coolant level

What does this mean?

This is a Generic Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) applicable to many OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer). This may include, but is not limited to, Ford, Mercedes, Dodge, Ram, Nissan, etc. Despite the general nature, the exact repair steps may vary depending on the model year, make, model and transmission configuration.

OBD-II DTC P2560 and associated codes P2556, P2557, and P2559 are associated with the engine coolant level sensor and / or switch circuit.

Some vehicles are equipped with a coolant level sensor or switch. It usually works using some kind of float similar to the one used in your gas pressure gauge sending device. If the coolant level falls below a certain level, this completes the circuit and tells the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to set this code.

When the PCM detects that the engine coolant level is too low, a P2560 code will set and the check engine light or low coolant / overheat light may come on.

What is the severity of this DTC?

The severity of this code is moderate because if the engine coolant level drops too low, there is a possibility that the engine will overheat and cause significant damage.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2560 trouble code may include:

The coolant warning lamp is on
Check engine light is on

What are some of the common causes for the code?

Reasons for this P2560 code may include:

Low coolant level (most likely)
Air bubble in the cooling system
Defective coolant level sensor or switch
Faulty or damaged coolant level sensor / switch wiring

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P2560?

The first thing to do is just check the coolant level. If it is really low (which is likely), top up with coolant and watch it closely to see if it goes down again.

The second step would be to research vehicle-specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) by year, engine / transmission model, and configuration. In some cases, this can save you a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.

If the coolant drops and you add coolant, it happens over and over, indicating a problem. Perhaps the cylinder head gasket is out of order or there is a coolant leak somewhere.

If there is a "bubble" in the cooling system, it may give out other codes, for example this one. If you recently changed the coolant but did not bleed the air from the system properly, do so now.

There is a small chance that this code is erroneous, but it is usually more of an informational code that registers to register a low coolant level. This code can be set as a permanent code that cannot be removed from the vehicle system.

This article is for informational purposes only and specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.

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NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.