P2560

Coolant Level Low

P2560 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Coolant Level Low. It is logged by the engine control unit when the coolant monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P2560
Group
Powertrain
System
Coolant
Severity
Warning (MIL on)
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What P2560 means

P2560 is a general electrical fault code for the reductant (DEF/AdBlue) level sensor circuit. The level sensor provides the ECM or reductant control module with a continuous signal indicating the amount of reductant fluid remaining in the tank. This code is set when the signal is outside the expected operating range or is otherwise implausible.

The level sensor is typically a float-type or capacitive sensor integrated into the DEF tank module. A circuit fault can arise from damaged wiring, corroded connectors, a failed sensor, or an internal fault within the dosing module. When the level signal is unreliable, the system cannot accurately warn the driver of low reductant, which may lead to tank run-out and SCR system shutdown.

On vehicles with NOx-reduction enforcement, running the reductant tank to empty triggers a derate or no-start countdown. Because P2560 prevents accurate level monitoring, it should be addressed promptly to avoid unexpected derate events even when the tank physically contains sufficient fluid.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P2560 is logged.

  • 1
    Open or short circuit in the level sensor signal wiring.
  • 2
    Corroded or damaged connector at the DEF tank module.
  • 3
    Failed reductant level sensor or tank sender unit.
  • 4
    Short to ground or voltage on the sensor reference or signal wire.
  • 5
    Moisture ingress into the tank module connector.
  • 6
    Failed or faulty reductant control module input circuit.
  • 7
    Contaminated DEF fluid causing erratic sensor readings.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL illuminated with P2560 stored.
Inaccurate or missing reductant level display on instrument cluster.
Reductant level warning may not activate even when tank is nearly empty.
SCR system may disable dosing if the signal is implausibly high or low.
Possible false low-reductant warning causing unnecessary refill.

How to diagnose P2560

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Retrieve all DTCs and freeze frame data with a scan tool.
  2. 2
    Inspect the DEF tank module connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or moisture.
  3. 3
    Monitor live data for the reductant level sensor voltage or percentage reading.
  4. 4
    With the connector disconnected, measure resistance between the sensor terminals to verify sensor continuity.
  5. 5
    Check for the correct reference voltage at the sensor supply pin.
  6. 6
    Inspect the harness from the tank module to the control module for shorts or open circuits.
  7. 7
    If sensor and wiring are confirmed good, investigate the control module input circuit.

Vehicles where we've handled P2560

Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P2560 coverage.

BMW 320D
2016

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Can I refill DEF and clear P2560?

Refilling DEF addresses a possible contamination issue but will not fix an electrical circuit fault; the code will return if the sensor or wiring is defective.

Will P2560 cause an engine derate?

By itself, the circuit fault may trigger a derate on systems that treat an invalid level signal the same as an empty tank; this varies by vehicle calibration.

Is P2560 the same as a low DEF warning?

No. P2560 is an electrical fault in the sensor circuit, not a fluid level condition. The actual tank level may be adequate.

Can contaminated DEF cause P2560?

Contaminated fluid can affect capacitive sensor readings, but true electrical faults from wiring or connector issues are more common root causes.

Disabling P2560 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P2560 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

ECUs with a P2560 disable in our catalogue

Confirmed coverage from our recipe database — we support many more families. Upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.

  • Bosch EDC17C50 verified 1 software version

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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