P0560 to P0563: system voltage

The engine computer measured a supply voltage that is low (P0562), high (P0563), unstable (P0561) or otherwise wrong (P0560).

SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.

Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshop

What does P0562 mean?

Every module needs a steady supply, normally between about 12 and 15 volts with the engine running. Low voltage usually means the alternator is not charging enough or the battery can no longer hold a charge; high voltage means the charging system is overcharging, which can damage the battery and the electronics.

What causes P0562?

  1. A worn battery, or one with a failed cell
  2. A failing alternator or voltage regulator
  3. A slipping or worn auxiliary drive belt
  4. Loose or corroded battery terminals, or a poor engine-to-body cable
  5. A heavy electrical drain, or a fault in the charging wiring

What to check first for P0562

  • Check that the battery terminals and the engine-to-body cables are clean and tight
  • Measure the battery voltage with the engine off and the charging voltage with it running
  • Have the battery load-tested
  • Check the auxiliary belt for wear and tension

Can you drive with P0562?

Drive only to a workshop or home, and switch off everything you do not need. With low voltage the engine can stall and refuse to restart once the battery is flat; with high voltage, keep the trip short to spare the battery and the modules.

In states with an OBD-II emissions inspection, a car with the check engine light on fails the test until the fault is fixed.

Codes on this page

  • P0560System Voltage
  • P0561System Voltage Unstable
  • P0562System Voltage Low
  • P0563System Voltage High

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.

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Log the code in OdoKeep as an OBD scan when a scanner or the workshop gives you one, then the repair and what it cost, and keep the maintenance that prevents it on a plan with reminders. The app keeps the record; it does not read the car.

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