P2560 The computer decided the engine coolant level is low

Engine coolant level low

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Low coolant can lead to overheating, and Ford Escape complaints describe limp mode and an engine fire with this code, but no source grades P2560 itself.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon, and stop driving if the temperature gauge rises or steam appears. A Volvo bulletin pairs the code with a power derate, and Escape owners describe limp mode.

Source: how we rate severity

P2560 in short

P2560 means the engine computer thinks the coolant level is too low. It can be a real coolant loss, such as a leak, or a faulty coolant level or temperature signal. Check the coolant level only when the engine is cold, and stop driving if the engine runs hot.

Some engines have a level sensor or use temperature behavior to tell the computer when coolant is low. P2560 is set when it concludes the level is below the allowed amount.

The reports show both a real shortage and a false alarm. An owner of a 2013 Ram 5500 linked it to a water pump replacement, while Volvo's bulletin describes a derate on Cummins CU12 CNG engines when no coolant is actually low. FCA lists the code in PCM flashes for 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks.

Ford Escape owners report P2560 with limp mode, including one engine fire, but their text does not give the code meaning or a confirmed cause, so those reports are only context.

Most likely causes

  1. Coolant leak or low level after a repair

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    The 2013 Ram 5500 owner ties P2560 to a coolant leak and water pump repair. Volvo RD24-039 addresses P2560 with high coolant temperature.
    What would change this
    Rises if the reservoir is low or coolant stains are found. Falls if the system is full and holds pressure.

  2. False low-coolant signal or software

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Volvo KC-181 describes a P2560 derate with no low coolant on Cummins CU12 CNG engines, and FCA lists P2560 in PCM flash bulletins for 2019 Ram 2500/3500.
    What would change this
    Rises if the coolant is full and a bulletin applies to the VIN. Falls if the level is truly low.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  3. Coolant level or temperature sensor, connector or wiring

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A 2013 Escape owner suspects a coolant sensor, and a 2014 Escape complaint mentions poor pin fit; neither is a confirmed repair.
    What would change this
    Rises if sensor connector pins are loose or the sensor reads out of range. Falls if readings are normal.
    How to test the engine coolant temperature (ect) sensor

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. When the engine is completely cold, check the coolant reservoir level against the marks.

    Use caution

    Warning:Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap; scalding coolant can spray out under pressure.

  2. Ask a shop to check coolant temperature and level sensor readings, connector pins, and TSBs or software updates for the VIN.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool

    Warning:Cooling system parts and the engine stay hot and pressurized; the radiator fan can start without warning.

Symptoms

  • Coolant warning light or check engine light
  • Limp mode or power derate Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Overheating Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. With the engine fully cold, check the coolant level and top up only with the coolant type your owner's manual specifies; if it drops again, have the system checked for leaks.

    Warning:Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap; scalding coolant can spray out under pressure.

Parts and cost context

  • Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor:Replaced only after the level and wiring are confirmed; labor varies, get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ram

  • 18-010-21 (ram)Status unverified

    PCM updates

    20192500, 3500 · NHTSA 10188801

    PCM flash; P2560 is one of many listed DTCs. Summary read only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

No curated relationships for P2560 yet.

All Engine cooling (thermostat) codes

P2560 questions

Can I clear P2560 by topping up coolant?

Only if the level was truly low. If it was full, the signal or software may be at fault, as Volvo describes.

Sources and review

  1. P2560 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  2. Volvo KC-181: Cummins CU12 CNG engine, P2560 low engine coolant followed by derate with no low coolant — Volvo Trucks North America
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11184965: 2013 Ford Escape — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 10700763: 2013 Ram 5500 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
  5. Volvo RD24-039: repair instructions for P2560-00 engine coolant level low — Volvo Trucks North America
  6. FCA bulletin 18-010-21: PCM updates (2019 Ram 2500/3500) — FCA US
  7. NHTSA complaint ODI 11144454: 2014 Ford Escape — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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