Faulty alternator (OBD-Codes.com calls it the most common cause; RepairPal lists alternator failure first). Low battery voltage, a failing battery or a battery that was recently disconnected (OBD-Codes.com's repair steps; RepairPal lists battery failure). High resistance in the cable between the alternator and the battery (OBD-Codes.com). High resistance or an open circuit between the alternator and the control module (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal lists a wiring issue. Less often, a failed PCM (OBD-Codes.com calls this unlikely; RepairPal also lists PCM failure).

Replace the alternator if testing shows it isn't charging correctly; RepairPal lists alternator replacement as a common repair. Charge or replace the battery if testing confirms it is weak or has failed; RepairPal lists battery replacement as a common repair. Repair or replace high-resistance battery and alternator cables. Repair wiring or connectors between the alternator and the PCM. Replace the PCM only after all other tests pass; it must be programmed to the vehicle (OBD-Codes.com).

P0560🔧 Charging system / electricalDrive with caution, fix soon

P0560: System Voltage Malfunction (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0560 mean?

P0560 means the engine computer (PCM) saw a problem with the vehicle's system voltage: too high, too low, or missing when it should be there. OBD-Codes.com calls a faulty alternator the most common cause; a low or failing battery, high resistance in the battery or alternator wiring and, rarely, a failed PCM are the other things to check. The charging system (alternator and voltage regulator) keeps the electrical system at the right voltage while the engine runs. On many vehicles the PCM controls the alternator's voltage regulator through a power or ground circuit, and it watches its own ignition feed circuit to see whether charging is working, per OBD-Codes.com. If that voltage is too high, too low, or not present when it should be, P0560 can set. OBD-Codes.com says a healthy system reads about 13.2 to 14.7 volts at the battery with a load on, and treats readings well below 12 volts or above 15.5 volts as a charging system problem. RepairPal describes the trigger more narrowly, as battery voltage dropping below 10 volts. The exact trigger point varies by vehicle. The sources also name it slightly differently: OBD-Codes.com calls it System Voltage Malfunction and RepairPal simply System Voltage. P0561 (unstable), P0562 (low) and P0563 (high) are the more specific system voltage codes.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0560?

Drive with caution, fix soon. Get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0560 Moderate. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating, but lists stalling, a no-start and a transmission that may not shift among the possible symptoms, so a weak or failing charging system can leave you stranded. If the red battery light is on too, have the battery and charging system tested right away. An open code can also fail an OBD2 emissions inspection.

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0560 means

The charging system (alternator and voltage regulator) keeps the electrical system at the right voltage while the engine runs. On many vehicles the PCM controls the alternator's voltage regulator through a power or ground circuit, and it watches its own ignition feed circuit to see whether charging is working, per OBD-Codes.com. If that voltage is too high, too low, or not present when it should be, P0560 can set. OBD-Codes.com says a healthy system reads about 13.2 to 14.7 volts at the battery with a load on, and treats readings well below 12 volts or above 15.5 volts as a charging system problem. RepairPal describes the trigger more narrowly, as battery voltage dropping below 10 volts. The exact trigger point varies by vehicle. The sources also name it slightly differently: OBD-Codes.com calls it System Voltage Malfunction and RepairPal simply System Voltage. P0561 (unstable), P0562 (low) and P0563 (high) are the more specific system voltage codes.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

Get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0560 Moderate. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating, but lists stalling, a no-start and a transmission that may not shift among the possible symptoms, so a weak or failing charging system can leave you stranded. If the red battery light is on too, have the battery and charging system tested right away. An open code can also fail an OBD2 emissions inspection.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (OBD-Codes.com)
Red battery or charging light on (OBD-Codes.com)
Transmission may not shift (OBD-Codes.com)
Engine may not start, or may stall (both sources)
Some electrical accessories, such as the radio, may not work (RepairPal)
Lower fuel economy (OBD-Codes.com)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Faulty alternator (OBD-Codes.com calls it the most common cause; RepairPal lists alternator failure first)
Low battery voltage, a failing battery or a battery that was recently disconnected (OBD-Codes.com's repair steps; RepairPal lists battery failure)
High resistance in the cable between the alternator and the battery (OBD-Codes.com)
High resistance or an open circuit between the alternator and the control module (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal lists a wiring issue
Less often, a failed PCM (OBD-Codes.com calls this unlikely; RepairPal also lists PCM failure)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle; OBD-Codes.com says this can save time.
Check the alternator belt, which OBD-Codes.com calls the most neglected part of the charging system, and make sure the battery terminals and cables are clean and tight.
With the engine running, headlights on and the blower fan on high, measure voltage at the battery with a multimeter. OBD-Codes.com says it should be between 13.2 and 14.7 volts; well below 12 volts or above 15.5 volts points to the charging system, mainly the alternator.
If you don't have a meter, most auto parts stores will test the battery, starter and charging system for little or no cost, per OBD-Codes.com.
If voltage is normal, clear the code and see if it returns. If it doesn't, it was likely an intermittent or history code (for example after the battery was disconnected).
If it returns, inspect the PCM connectors and wiring for corrosion, rubbing, melted plastic or burn marks, and clean the terminals.

Typical fixes

Replace the alternator if testing shows it isn't charging correctly; RepairPal lists alternator replacement as a common repair
Charge or replace the battery if testing confirms it is weak or has failed; RepairPal lists battery replacement as a common repair
Repair or replace high-resistance battery and alternator cables
Repair wiring or connectors between the alternator and the PCM
Replace the PCM only after all other tests pass; it must be programmed to the vehicle (OBD-Codes.com)

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

Battery voltage with the engine running is well below 12 volts or above about 15.5 volts and you aren't comfortable replacing the alternator
The voltage looks normal but the code keeps returning; OBD-Codes.com's next steps test the PCM's ignition feed and ground circuits with the harness unplugged and need a wiring diagram
The car stalls, won't start or won't shift
A PCM replacement is suspected, since it must be programmed to the vehicle

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Is P0560 serious?

RepairPal rates it Moderate, so it isn't usually an emergency, but get it diagnosed soon. OBD-Codes.com lists stalling, a no-start and shifting problems as possible symptoms, so a charging problem can leave you stranded.

Is P0560 the alternator or the battery?

OBD-Codes.com calls a faulty alternator the most common cause, and its repair steps also mention low battery voltage or a disconnected battery. RepairPal lists both alternator and battery replacement as common repairs. A charging system test (voltage at the battery with the engine running and a load on) tells you which one it is.

How is P0560 different from P0562 and P0563?

P0560 is the general system voltage code. OBD-Codes.com says it can set when voltage is too high, too low or missing. P0562 is specifically System Voltage Low, P0563 is System Voltage High and P0561 is System Voltage Unstable.

Why do the sources disagree?

RepairPal says P0560 sets when battery voltage drops below 10 volts, while OBD-Codes.com says it can set when voltage is too high, too low, or not present. RepairPal lists battery failure as a cause, which OBD-Codes.com's cause list doesn't (though its repair steps mention low battery voltage), and only OBD-Codes.com lists a red battery light, shifting problems and lower fuel economy as symptoms. The two also title the code slightly differently. Both agree the alternator is the top suspect.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.