P0562 System voltage low

System voltage low (battery or charging voltage too low)

P0562 in short

P0562 means the engine computer saw supply voltage lower than it should be. A weak battery, a failing alternator, a loose belt or a corroded cable or ground is the usual cause. Have the battery and charging system tested soon, and stop in a safe place if the battery warning light comes on or the engine stalls.

Every module in the car runs on the battery and charging system. With the engine running, the alternator should hold the system at roughly 13.8 to 14.2 volts at idle. P0562 sets when the engine computer sees its supply voltage drop below the maker's limit for a set time.

Low voltage matters beyond the code itself. The emissions rules let a car pause some of its self-tests when voltage is below 11 volts, so other faults can go unreported. On some vehicles low voltage also makes other modules, such as the brake or transmission computer, set their own codes or go into a limited mode.

The cause is often simple: a battery near the end of its life, a slipping belt, or a loose or corroded cable or ground. It can also follow a dead battery or a jump start.

Most likely causes

  1. Weak or failing battery

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A battery that cannot hold a charge pulls system voltage down, especially at start-up and at idle with loads on.
    What would change this
    Rises if the car has been slow to crank, the battery is old, or the battery fails a load test. Falls if a good battery tests well.

  2. Alternator, voltage regulator or drive belt fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    If the alternator is not charging, or the belt slips, voltage falls while driving until the engine may stall.
    What would change this
    Rises if the voltage with the engine running stays near battery voltage or well under the normal range. Falls if charging voltage is normal.

  3. Loose or corroded battery cables or ground straps

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A bad connection adds resistance, so the computer sees less voltage than the battery and alternator are putting out.
    What would change this
    Rises if a voltage-drop test across a cable or ground shows more than about 0.2 volts, or if the terminals are visibly corroded.

  4. Code left over after a dead battery or jump start (some models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford and Honda bulletins describe P0562 setting after a jump start or low battery with no lasting fault on some models.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared right after a jump start or battery replacement and the charging system now tests good.

What to test first

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

  1. Read all stored codes, including other modules if your scan tool can, and note whether the battery warning light is on.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfThe code appeared right after a jump start or dead battery

      It meansCheck for a bulletin, then confirm the charging system is healthy.

      Go to step 2

    • IfNo recent jump start, or the battery light is on

      It meansMeasure the voltage.

      Go to step 3

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin for P0562. GM, Ford and Honda have issued them on some models.

    Low risk

  3. With the engine off, measure voltage across the battery posts, then have the battery load-tested. Many parts stores do this.

    Low riskTool: digital multimeter or battery tester

  4. Measure battery voltage with the engine idling, then with lights and blower on. Normal is roughly 13.8 to 14.2 volts at idle.

    Use cautionTool: digital multimeter

    Warning:The engine is running. Keep hands, hair, clothing and leads clear of the belt and cooling fan, which can start on its own.

  5. Have a shop do voltage-drop tests on the battery cables, alternator output and engine and body grounds.

    Best left to a shopTool: digital multimeter

    Warning:This test is done with the engine running and leads near the belt and fan. Leave it to someone trained.

Symptoms

  • Slow cranking or a no-start
  • Dim or flickering lights
  • Other warning lights or codes from different modules
  • Battery or charging warning light on Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine stalls or dies while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. With the engine off, look at the battery terminals. If they are loose or crusted with corrosion, have them cleaned and tightened.

  2. Have the battery and charging system tested. Many parts stores can do this.

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2019 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin PIT5634 links low system voltage on the 2019 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 to brake module code P0606, reduced power, a speed-limited message and a hard brake pedal, and says to diagnose P0562 first. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIT5634Status unverified

    Brake module P0606 with reduced power and hard brake pedal from low system voltage

    2019silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10151841

    Low system voltage can make the electronic brake module set P0606, with reduced engine power, a speed-limited message and a hard brake pedal. GM says to follow the P0562 diagnosis. Also covers the GMC Sierra 1500.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2005 · Five Hundred

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletin 18179 covers the 2005 Five Hundred, Freestyle and Montego setting P0562 with the wrench light and transaxle limp mode after a jump start. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 18179Status unverified

    Wrench light, P0562 and transaxle limp mode after a jump start

    2005five-hundred, freestyle · issued · NHTSA 10011346

    After a jump start some vehicles show the wrench light, store P0562 and put the transaxle in limp mode. Also covers the Mercury Montego.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Honda

  • 2017 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda bulletin A16-026 covers 2017 Accord Hybrid modules storing P0562 with the check engine light off and no symptom. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • A16-026Status unverified

    P0562 stored with the MIL off and no symptom (Accord Hybrid)

    2017accord · issued · NHTSA 10116736

    Hybrid modules can store P0562 with the check engine light off and no driveability symptom.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0606A control module found a fault in its own processor or programming

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: P0562. GM bulletin PIT5634 links low system voltage on the 2019 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 to brake module P0606, reduced power and a hard brake pedal, and says to diagnose P0562 first.

  • P25A2Brake control module has asked for the check engine light

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's brake module can set P25A2 with P0562 and P0606 when system voltage is low; check the battery and charging system first.

  • P1682Engine computer’s two ignition voltage feeds disagree (GM)

    Shares causes Possible — needs testing

    Both can come from a weak or drained battery. GM lists P1682 with battery draw and no start on some crossovers, and a failing battery is a top cause of P0562.

All Vehicle speed, idle control and engine electrical codes

P0562 questions

Can a bad battery cause P0562?

Yes. A weak battery is one of the most common causes, along with a charging fault and loose or corroded cables.

Can P0562 cause other warning lights?

It can. Low voltage can make other modules set their own codes or limit how the car runs, as GM and Ford bulletins describe.

Is it safe to drive with P0562?

Short trips to get it tested are usually fine. Stop in a safe place if the battery warning light comes on or the engine starts to stall.

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. How To Test an Alternator — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley)
  3. GM PIT5634: SES light, reduced engine power, Service Brake System and hard brake pedal with P0606 caused by low voltage (2019 Silverado 1500 / Sierra 1500) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  4. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U, 2.5L A25A-FKS / 3.5L 2GR-FKS) — Toyota
  5. Ford 18179: wrench light, P0562 and transaxle limp-home mode after a battery jump start (2005 Five Hundred, Freestyle, Montego) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  6. Honda ServiceNews A16-026: P0562 in hybrid control modules with the MIL off and no symptom (2017 Accord) — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  7. GM PIT6522: K160 brake module sets P0606 with P0562 and/or P25A2 (2021–2026 trucks and SUVs) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. GM PIT4649B: SES MIL with P1682, battery draw and/or no start (2007–2013 Acadia, Enclave, Outlook, Traverse) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. Final Regulation Order: 13 CCR §1968.2, Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II), 2004 and subsequent model-year passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles (2015 amendments) — California Air Resources Board
  10. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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