P0562: System Voltage Low
The engine computer sees battery voltage lower than it should be while running.
Green, yellow, red: three ways P0562 can look
The same code can be a quick fix or a reason to pull over. Match your situation to the closest example.
Keep an eye on it
Set once after a cold start.
Schedule a repair
Battery light or slow cranking. Test the charging system soon.
Stop and get help
Battery light on and electrical things shutting off. Get off the road; the car may die soon.
Symptoms you might notice
- Dim lights
- Slow cranking
- Battery light
- Odd electrical behavior
Common causes, cheapest first
- Failing alternator
- Loose or corroded battery cables
- Worn serpentine belt
- Weak battery
What you can check before calling
- Check battery terminals for corrosion
- Have the battery and alternator tested
A code points to a system, not a part. Replacing parts based on the code alone is how people spend money without fixing the problem. Testing confirms the cause first.
Want the full story? Read our guide: Bad alternator or bad battery? How to tell.
Generic codes (second character 0) mean the same thing on every vehicle. Some manufacturers add their own details, so check service information for your exact vehicle.
Related codes
More idle, speed & electrical codes
Look up another code
Cummins fault code (like 1922), J1939 SPN and FMI (like SPN 3251 FMI 0), or an OBD-II code (like P0420).
Questions
What does P0562 mean?
P0562 means "System Voltage Low". The engine computer sees battery voltage lower than it should be while running.
Can I drive with code P0562?
It depends on what the vehicle is doing. Green: Set once after a cold start. Yellow: Battery light or slow cranking. Test the charging system soon. Red: Battery light on and electrical things shutting off. Get off the road; the car may die soon.
What causes P0562?
The most common causes are: failing alternator; loose or corroded battery cables; worn serpentine belt.
Is P0562 a serious code?
It can be. Battery light on and electrical things shutting off. Get off the road; the car may die soon.
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