Faulty alternator (OBD-Codes.com calls this the most common cause; RepairPal lists it first). Low battery voltage, a weak battery or a battery that was recently disconnected (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal lists a defective battery and/or cables but also names the battery as a common misdiagnosis. Loose, worn or broken alternator belt (OBD-Codes.com). High resistance in the cable between the alternator and battery, or a bad B+ cable (both sources). Poor charging system grounds, or bad alternator wiring or connectors (RepairPal). Open circuit or high resistance between the alternator and the PCM (both sources). Faulty voltage regulator or a large parasitic battery drain (RepairPal only). Less often, a failed PCM (OBD-Codes.com calls this unlikely).

Replace the alternator if testing shows it isn't charging properly. Replace or tighten a worn or loose alternator belt. Repair or replace corroded or high-resistance battery and alternator cables, and clean charging system grounds. Replace a weak battery if testing confirms it (RepairPal warns the battery is often blamed when the alternator or wiring is at fault). Repair wiring 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).

P0562🔧 Charging system / electricalStop and fix promptly

P0562: System Voltage Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0562 mean?

P0562 means the engine computer (PCM) saw the vehicle's system voltage drop too low. A failing alternator is the most common cause; a weak or recently disconnected battery, a loose belt, bad battery or alternator cables and poor grounds are the next things to check. A failed PCM is unlikely. The charging system (alternator and voltage regulator) keeps the car's electrical system at the right voltage while the engine runs. RepairPal puts that at usually 14.1 to 14.4 volts at idle with the lights off. The PCM watches its ignition feed voltage, and on many vehicles it also controls the alternator's voltage regulator through a power or ground circuit, per OBD-Codes.com. RepairPal says P0562 sets when voltage drops below 10.0 volts for more than 60 seconds with the engine running; the exact limit can vary by vehicle. OBD-Codes.com calls it strictly an electrical issue. P0563 is the matching System Voltage High code, and P0560 and P0561 cover system voltage in general and unstable voltage.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0562?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0562 Urgent, because low system voltage can leave the car stalling, not shifting properly or not starting. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating, but lists stalling, a no-start and a transmission that may not shift among the symptoms. If the red battery light is also on, the car may be running on battery power alone and could die while driving. An open code can also fail an OBD2 emissions inspection.

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0562 means

The charging system (alternator and voltage regulator) keeps the car's electrical system at the right voltage while the engine runs. RepairPal puts that at usually 14.1 to 14.4 volts at idle with the lights off. The PCM watches its ignition feed voltage, and on many vehicles it also controls the alternator's voltage regulator through a power or ground circuit, per OBD-Codes.com. RepairPal says P0562 sets when voltage drops below 10.0 volts for more than 60 seconds with the engine running; the exact limit can vary by vehicle. OBD-Codes.com calls it strictly an electrical issue. P0563 is the matching System Voltage High code, and P0560 and P0561 cover system voltage in general and unstable voltage.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0562 Urgent, because low system voltage can leave the car stalling, not shifting properly or not starting. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating, but lists stalling, a no-start and a transmission that may not shift among the symptoms. If the red battery light is also on, the car may be running on battery power alone and could die while driving. An open code can also fail an OBD2 emissions inspection.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (both sources)
Red battery or charging light on (both sources; RepairPal says it may come on)
Transmission may not shift properly (both sources)
Engine may not start, or may stall, especially when coming to a stop (both sources); RepairPal also mentions misfire-like symptoms
Lower fuel economy (both sources)
In unusual cases, nothing the driver notices (RepairPal)

Likely causes

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

Faulty alternator (OBD-Codes.com calls this the most common cause; RepairPal lists it first)
Low battery voltage, a weak battery or a battery that was recently disconnected (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal lists a defective battery and/or cables but also names the battery as a common misdiagnosis
Loose, worn or broken alternator belt (OBD-Codes.com)
High resistance in the cable between the alternator and battery, or a bad B+ cable (both sources)
Poor charging system grounds, or bad alternator wiring or connectors (RepairPal)
Open circuit or high resistance between the alternator and the PCM (both sources)
Faulty voltage regulator or a large parasitic battery drain (RepairPal only)
Less often, a failed PCM (OBD-Codes.com calls this unlikely)

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 for looseness, cracks or slipping, and make sure the battery terminals 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 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 from a battery that was disconnected).
If it returns, inspect the PCM connectors and wiring for corrosion, rubbing or burn marks, and clean the terminals.

Typical fixes

Replace the alternator if testing shows it isn't charging properly
Replace or tighten a worn or loose alternator belt
Repair or replace corroded or high-resistance battery and alternator cables, and clean charging system grounds
Replace a weak battery if testing confirms it (RepairPal warns the battery is often blamed when the alternator or wiring is at fault)
Repair wiring 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

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
You suspect a parasitic battery drain (something draining the battery with the car off)
The car stalls or won't shift; RepairPal rates P0562 Urgent
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 P0562 serious?

It can be. RepairPal rates it Urgent, and both RepairPal and OBD-Codes.com list stalling, a no-start and shifting problems as possible symptoms. If the battery light is on too, get the charging system tested right away.

Is P0562 the battery or the alternator?

OBD-Codes.com calls a faulty alternator the most common cause, but also says low battery voltage or a recently disconnected battery often sets it. RepairPal lists a defective battery as a possible cause yet names the battery as a common misdiagnosis. A charging system test tells you which one it is.

Can disconnecting the battery cause P0562?

Yes, per OBD-Codes.com. If charging voltage tests normal and the code doesn't come back after clearing, it was probably a one-time history code.

What voltage sets P0562?

RepairPal says below 10.0 volts for more than 60 seconds with the engine running. OBD-Codes.com says a healthy running system should read about 13.2 to 14.7 volts at the battery under load.

Why do the sources disagree?

OBD-Codes.com treats low battery voltage as a common trigger, while RepairPal calls the battery (and starter) common misdiagnoses. RepairPal alone lists a faulty voltage regulator, poor grounds and parasitic drain; OBD-Codes.com alone mentions the alternator belt. They agree a faulty alternator is the top suspect.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.