P2560 Engine Coolant Level Low
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Engine Coolant Level Low
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Ford, Mercedes, Dodge, Ram, Nissan, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
OBD-II trouble code P2560 and related 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. Typically it operates by using a float of some kind, similar to what your gas gauge sending unit uses. If the coolant level drops below a specific level, that 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, code P2560 will be set and the check engine or low coolant / overheating light may be illuminated.
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 potential for the engine to overheat and cause extensive damage.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P2560 trouble code may include:
Cooling system warning lamp illuminated Check engine light illuminatedWhat are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P2560 code may include:
Low coolant (most likely) An air "bubble" in the cooling system Defective coolant level sensor or switch Faulty or damaged coolant level sensor/switch wiringWhat are some P2560 troubleshooting steps?
The first step is to simply check the coolant level. If it is actually low (which is likely) then top up the coolant and keep a close eye on it to see if it drops low again.
The second step would be to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's) for the specific vehicle by year, model and engine/transmission configuration. In some circumstances, this can save a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.
If the coolant drops low and you add coolant, and then it happens again and again that indicates there is a problem. Perhaps the head gasket is failing or there is a coolant leak somewhere.
If there is a "bubble" in the cooling system it may give you different codes such as this one. If you recently changed the coolant but didn't properly bleed air from the system, do that now.
There is a slight possibility that this code is in error but typically this is more of an informational code that's logged to record low coolant. This code may be set as a permanent code, which cannot be cleared from the vehicle's system.
This article is strictly informational and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.
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