P2181 to P2186, P2556 to P2560, P2600 to P2603 and P0597 to P0599: cooling system, coolant level and pump
The cooling system is not performing as it should (P2181), the second coolant temperature sensor has a fault, the coolant level sensor has a fault or the level is low, the electric coolant pump has a circuit or performance fault, or the electrically heated thermostat's circuit has a fault.
SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.
Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshopWhat does P2182 mean?
Modern engines manage their temperature more actively: a second temperature sensor at another point in the circuit, an electric coolant pump that the computer can slow or stop, and a thermostat with a heater that lets the computer open it earlier. A level sensor warns when coolant is missing. P2181 means the engine is not reaching or holding the temperature it should. Low coolant and a failing pump are the faults to treat seriously, because both can lead to overheating.
What causes P2182?
- Low coolant from a leak at a hose, the radiator, the pump or the heater core
- A failing electric coolant pump
- A thermostat stuck open or closed, or its heater circuit failed
- A failed second temperature sensor or level sensor
- Air trapped in the cooling system after a repair
What to check first for P2182
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level in the reservoir
- Look for leaks and for white or coloured crust around hoses and the radiator
- Watch the temperature gauge and both coolant temperatures on a scan tool
- Have the electric pump and the thermostat heater commanded with a scan tool
Can you drive with P2182?
Drive only to a workshop and watch the temperature gauge. If the coolant level is low, top it up when the engine is cold before driving; if the temperature climbs or a coolant warning appears, stop and switch off, and have the car towed.
Since May 2018 an engine warning light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, so the car fails until the fault is fixed.
Codes on this page
18
- P0597Thermostat Heater Control Circuit/Open
- P0598Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Low
- P0599Thermostat Heater Control Circuit High
- P2181Cooling System Performance
- P2182Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit
- P2183Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance
- P2184Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low
- P2185Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
- P2186Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P2556Engine Coolant Level Sensor/Switch Circuit
- P2557Engine Coolant Level Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance
- P2558Engine Coolant Level Sensor/Switch Circuit Low
- P2559Engine Coolant Level Sensor/Switch Circuit High
- P2560Engine Coolant Level Low
- P2600Coolant Pump Control Circuit/Open
- P2601Coolant Pump Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P2602Coolant Pump Control Circuit Low
- P2603Coolant Pump Control Circuit High
Related codes
Checked on · Rafael Soares
These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.
