Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The engine coolant level is low.
What does that signify?
This is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for the powertrain and is applicable to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). This includes vehicles from Ford, Mercedes, Dodge, Ram, Nissan, and others. Although it is a generic code, the specific repair steps may vary depending on the 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 using a float similar to the gas gauge sending unit. If the coolant level drops below a specific level, the circuit is completed and the PCM (powertrain control module) sets this code.
When the PCM detects that the engine coolant level is too low, code P2560 is set and the check engine or low coolant/overheating light may illuminate.
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 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:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P2560 code may include:
What 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 is 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.
