P0560: The computer sees system voltage outside the range it expects

System voltage malfunction (battery or charging voltage)

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The sources sampled define the code but do not rate how urgent it is. A battery or charging fault can leave the car stalling or unable to restart, so have it tested soon.

Source: how we rate severity

P0560 in short

P0560 is the generic code for a system voltage malfunction: the engine computer sees battery or charging voltage outside what it expects. A weak battery, failing alternator, corroded terminals or a bad ground are the usual causes. Have the battery and charging system tested soon.

The engine computer watches the voltage that powers it. TroubleCodes.net says it expects roughly 13.8 to 14.4 volts with the engine running, and sets P0560 when the reading is abnormal.

The Delaware DMV list titles the code System Voltage Malfunction. Because it does not say whether voltage is high or low, test the battery, charging output and connections rather than assuming one.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

Cause 1: Weak battery or charging system fault
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
TroubleCodes.net lists a defective battery or alternator first among causes for this code family, and these parts set the supply voltage the computer reads.
What would change this
Rises if the battery fails a load test or charging voltage is outside the normal range. Falls if both test good.
Cause 2: Corroded or loose battery terminals, damaged wiring or poor grounds
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
Bad connections add resistance or open the computer's power supply, so it reads the wrong voltage even when the battery and alternator are fine.
What would change this
Rises if terminals are corroded or a voltage-drop test shows a bad cable or ground. Falls if connections are clean and tight.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool, and note any other voltage or charging codes.
Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool
- IfOther charging or battery codes are stored
  It meansWork on the charging system first.
  Go to step 2
- IfThis is the only code
  It meansTest the battery next.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Look at the battery terminals for corrosion and looseness, then have the battery load-tested. Many parts stores do this.
Low riskTool: digital multimeter or battery tester
- IfThe battery fails or the terminals are corroded
  It meansClean the terminals or replace the battery.
  Points to: Weak battery or charging system fault
- IfBattery tests good
  It meansCheck charging voltage next.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: With the engine idling, measure voltage at the battery posts and compare with the normal charging range.
Use cautionTool: digital multimeter
Warning:The engine is running. Keep hands, hair, clothing and test leads clear of the belt and cooling fan.
- IfVoltage is well outside the normal charging range
  It meansThe alternator or regulator is likely at fault.
  Points to: Weak battery or charging system fault
- IfVoltage is normal
  It meansHave grounds and wiring checked for voltage drop.
  Points to: Corroded or loose battery terminals, damaged wiring or poor grounds

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Hard starting or no-start
Engine stalling
Erratic automatic transmission shifting
Battery drain

How to fix

On your vehicle

Honda

2001 · Accord
Supported by vehicle data
NHTSA flat-file summary of Honda bulletin 181000 (summary: information on vehicles that show a lit MIL with code 34 (P0560) stored in the PCM during pre-delivery inspection). Whether it is still current is not verified.

181000Status unverified
MIL with code 34 (P0560) at pre-delivery inspection
2001accord · issued October 18, 2000 · NHTSA 618918
NHTSA flat-file summary only; the full bulletin was not read. The summary mentions information on vehicles that show a lit MIL with code 34 (P0560) stored in the PCM during pre-delivery inspection.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for P0560 yet.

All Charging and starting codes

P0560 questions

What causes P0560?

TroubleCodes.net lists a defective battery or alternator, corroded or loose battery connections, wiring damage and poor grounds.

Sources and review

On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
P0560 diagnostic trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
181000: MIL with code 34 (P0560) at pre-delivery inspection — Honda

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Weak battery or charging system fault

Cause 2: Corroded or loose battery terminals, damaged wiring or poor grounds

What to test first

Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool, and note any other voltage or charging codes.

Step 2: Look at the battery terminals for corrosion and looseness, then have the battery load-tested. Many parts stores do this.

Step 3: With the engine idling, measure voltage at the battery posts and compare with the normal charging range.