What Does The P0562 Error Code Mean?

p0562 code

The car’s charging system is designed to keep the battery in optimal working order. When there’s an issue with this vital system, you may get a Check Engine Light and the P0562 code. Figuring out what to do next can be tricky unless you have experience with this problem.

In this guide, we outline the meaning and top causes of the P0562 trouble code. We also look at the symptoms of the P0562 DTC, show you some possible fixes and tell you how to diagnose the problem before we answer the most asked questions. 

Code P0562 Definition

P0562 – System Voltage Low

What Does the P0562 Code Mean?

Code P0562 gets set when the Powertrain Computer Module (PCM) recognizes that the voltage level has dropped too low. With most cars, the voltage must drop below 10.0 volts for more than sixty seconds while the engine is running for this code to set.

Ideal voltage levels with the car running are between 13.5 to 14.5 volts. With the engine off, you still want to see 12.6 volts from the battery, yet it could dip a little lower, depending on how charged the battery is. 

Since every electrical component in the car requires power to work, these measurements are important. Not only will a drop in voltage affect if you can drive the car, but it can impact every level of performance, from how the motor runs to how the electronics function. 

What Are The Symptoms Of P0562?

When the P0562 code sets, you can count on significant symptoms to occur. Without the right amount of voltage, there will be noticeable signs. Some of the most common include:

What Are The Causes of P0562?

car battery voltage

With the P0562, you can bet on something being wrong with the charging system. Whether it’s the battery, alternator or some other problem, it will be revealed through a proper diagnosis. Here are some possibilities.

How Serious is the P0562 Code?

Medium – It’s easy to overlook the P0562 code if you aren’t noticing any major problems, but it shouldn’t be ignored. If you don’t fix the problem right away, it could lead to bigger issues or cause you to be stranded.

If the vehicle stalls while driving in heavy traffic, you could get into an accident. This is probable if the voltage gets too low. It could also stop you from being able to restart the vehicle. 

How Do I Fix the P0562 Code?

Once you walk through all of the diagnostic steps, you will have a better idea of what needs to be fixed. For now, here are some of the most common fixes. 

  • Replace alternator
  • Fixing wiring or damaged connection
  • Replace voltage regulator
  • Replace battery
  • Repair parasitic battery drain
  • Update/replace PCM (rare)

Common P0562 Diagnosis Mistakes

It’s easy to make a false assumption about what’s wrong without doing the diagnostics that are necessary. If you are having trouble starting the car and this code is on, you may think it’s just a bad battery or starter when it could be something far worse.

Before replacing the battery, run through the steps we’ve listed below. There’s no sense in replacing good parts and wasting your money. 

How to Diagnose the P0562 Trouble Code?

You don’t need to be a professional mechanic to figure out what’s going on with the P0562 trouble code. With some basic tools and know-how, you can get to the heart of the issue.

  1. Check the trouble codes. There could be more than the P0562 present. With multiple codes, it helps to use our online DTC library to discern what is going on. 
  2. Check all of the wiring on the battery. If you notice any damaged wires, they need to be replaced.
  3. Check the connectors. If any of the connectors are loose or corroded, you need to fix it. Cleaning battery corrosion is easy with some water and baking soda. 
  4. Test the car battery. With your digital multimeter, check the voltage between the positive and negative terminals while the engine is off. It should be near 12.6 volts. If it’s lower than this, you may have a bad battery.
  5. Check the voltage again with the battery connected and the engine running. If the alternator is working correctly, the voltage reading will be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If you don’t want to test the battery and alternator, many auto parts stores offer this service for free. See if there’s a location near you that offers free parts testing. 
  6. If you narrowed the problem down to a parasitic draw, you can find the culprit yourself. If you monitor the voltage at the battery, you can pull fuses one at a time to determine which one is causing the issue. Once you find the offending fuse, you will know what system or part is to blame. 

If you aren’t sure how to diagnose or fix the problem, it’s best to trust the professionals. Working with electrical components can be tricky and dangerous, especially if you don’t know what you are doing. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Code P0562?

The cost to fix trouble code P0562 depends heavily on what type of vehicle you drive and what’s wrong with it. We have some estimates based on the average cost for parts and labor. If you prefer to work on your own cars, expect to pay less. 

  • Replace alternator – $300 to $650
  • Fixing wiring or damaged connection – $50 to $550
  • Replace voltage regulator – $325 to $475
  • Replace battery – $125 to $425
  • Repair parasitic battery drain – $50 to $550
  • Update/replace PCM (rare) – $250 to $2,500

A Mechanic’s Tips About The P0562 Code

If there are multiple trouble codes present, these can help you figure out the problem, much like putting together pieces of a puzzle. You can also use the freeze frame data on your compatible scanner to get more information. Look at the voltage coming from the alternator terminal and examine the drops that occur between the battery power and ground terminals.

There are also some other trouble codes that you may be dealing with. Here are a few that are related. 

  • P0560: System Voltage
  • P0561: System Voltage Unstable
  • P0563: System Voltage High

Is code P0562 serious?

To some extent, it is. You shouldn’t procrastinate to get it fixed, even if the vehicle seems to drive normally. If the voltage drops too low, the car could stall and you may not be able to get it started again. In this situation, you could be in danger depending on where the car stalled and where you are stranded. 

How do I fix error code P0562?

You must first troubleshoot the system to see what’s wrong. There’s likely a defective part within the car’s charging system. You may need to replace the battery or alternator. It’s also possible that battery corrosion or a damaged connection is causing the issue, so this would need to be fixed. 

Can I drive with a P0562 code?

Because the P0562 code can put you in a dangerous situation, it’s best to stop driving and have the car repaired. If the engine stalls while you are in the middle of an intersection, you could cause an accident. Not only that but if the engine doesn’t start back up, you could be left waiting for roadside assistance. 

Can a bad battery cause a P0562 code?

Yes, if the battery is dying and not producing enough voltage, it can cause a P0562 trouble code. However, you don’t want to assume that the battery is bad simply because of this code. Many people replace the battery when there’s simply a loose connection or if the alternator is failing. 

What does system voltage low mean in a car?

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) recognized that the voltage level had gone too low and it caused the Check Engine Light to come on. Code P0562 occurs when the voltage drops below 10.0 for over sixty seconds at a time with the engine running. It could mean that the battery or alternator is failing. 

You should take the P0562 code seriously. It’s not one that you want to ignore, even if there aren’t a lot of symptoms present right now with the car. When working in the shop, we see many people neglect to take care of problems promptly, only to be in a worse situation shortly later. Yet, by running through the diagnostic procedures, you can avoid that problem.

Find out what part of the charging system is failing and have it fixed. If you don’t know enough about this system, it’s best to have a professional take over. You should never take the gravity of working on electronics lightly, as you could end up getting hurt when working with voltage and charging system components. 

Categories: OBD Codes

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