P0562 OBD-II: System Voltage Low
P0562 Severity
Should you fix P0562 yourself?
Identifying an OBD code is just the start of a complete diagnostic routine. Most trouble codes are caused by a sensor reporting a value that is out of range. Just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues. Be sure to understand the code, the part or system in your car that the code refers to, and the risks of delaying professional repair.
Proper diagnosis will save you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Urgent codes indicate immediate action is necessary. These are urgent and significant malfunctions that can cause severe damage to the vehicle or harm the driver and passengers.
What causes OBD-II fault code P0562?
The Charging System maintains an ideal vehicle voltage level when the engine is running. If the battery voltage drops below 10 volts, the engine control module (PCM) will set code P0562.
Need a P0562 diagnosis? Trust our experts.
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center - Grandview
Excite Auto Repair & Towing
All In Auto Service
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service - Grove City
What Does P0562 Code Mean?
OBD-II Code P0562 is defined as a System Voltage Low
The purpose of the Charging System is to maintain an ideal vehicle voltage level, which is usually 14.1 - 14.4 volts DC when the vehicle is idling with the lights off. When the code P0562 is set in the Powertrain Computer, it means that the Powertrain Computer or PCM is seeing a lower than requested vehicle voltage. The code will set when the voltage level goes below 10.0 volts for more than 60 seconds while the engine is running.
P0562 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light will illuminate
- Battery Light may illuminate
- Vehicle may not shift properly
- Decrease in fuel economy
- In unusual cases, there are no adverse conditions noticed by the driver
- In some cases, there may be performance problems, such as dying when coming to a stop and/or misfire-like symptoms
Common Problems That Trigger the P052 Code
- Defective Alternator
- Defective Alernator wiring or connector(s)
- Defective B+ battery cable from Alternator to battery
- Poor Charging System ground(s)
- Defective PCM wiring/connection to Alternator
- Defective PCM
- Defective Voltage Regulator
- Large Parasitic battery drain
- Defective Battery and/or cables
Common Misdiagnoses
- Battery
- Starter
Polluting Gases Expelled
- HCs (Hydrocarbons): Unburned droplets of raw fuel that smell, affect breathing, and contribute to smog
- CO (Carbon Monoxide): Partially burned fuel that is an odorless and deadly poisonous gas
- NOX (Oxides of Nitrogen): One of the two ingredients that, when exposed to sunlight, cause smog
P0562 Diagnostic Theory for Shops and Technicians
When diagnosing a P0562 code, it is important to record any other codes and the P0562 freeze frame data. Then one should duplicate the code setting conditions with a test drive. Be sure to check voltage output from the Alternator B+ terminal and check the voltage drops from the Battery power and ground terminals for the charging system. I also like to pay close attention to the scan tool data, especially the charging system requested voltage vs the actual vehicle system voltage. I observe this while I change engine load, throttle position, RPM, and road speed because at times, P0562 can be difficult to detect.
Ask our experts about P0562.
RepairPal Car Genius™ is a free resource for vehicle owners seeking advice on maintenance, auto repair, shop inquiries, estimates, and finding a trustworthy repair shop in your area.
Call us at 877-913-1554
Available 9am – 6pm ET Monday through Friday