What Does Code P0562 Mean?
- P0562 definition: System voltage low.
- Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately
- Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same day if possible) to avoid getting stranded with a dead battery.
- Diagnosis: The P0562 code is stored when the PCM (powertrain control module) detects a vehicle voltage that is lower than expected. If the vehicle voltage level dips below 10.0 volts for 60 seconds or more while at idle, the PCM will store the code.
- Common Reason: Code P0562 is often related to a bad battery.
Your vehicle’s charging system works to maintain a voltage level in the range of 14.1 to 14.4 volts DC at idle with headlights turned off. If for any reason, the PCM detects that the vehicle voltage level is too low, the P0562 code will be set, and the Check Engine light will illuminate.
P0562 Causes
There are many potential causes of code P0562.
- Faulty wiring, including ground connections
- A defective alternator
- A defective voltage regulator
- A defective battery and/or battery cables
- A large battery drain
- A faulty PCM (rare)
P0562 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Battery warning light
- Rough running
- Failure to shift gears properly
- Lowered fuel efficiency
- Dying at idle
How Do I Fix Code P0562?
With a voltage fault, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem.
If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0562?
P0562 can be caused by anything from a bad alternator to a weak battery to faulty wiring. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first.
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0562 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0562
For error code P0562, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- Alternator/serpentine belt replacement: $100-$130
- Wiring repair/replacement $100-$1000
- Battery: $310-$340
- Alternator: $570-$750
- PCM $1000-$1200
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0562
Engine code P0562 could be caused by a number of things, including a bad alternator, a weak battery, or faulty wiring. If you’d like to try to fix code P0562 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind that this is an intermediate-level diagnosis and repair and is not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Intermediate
This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
- FIXD
- Digital multimeter
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Use FIXD to check if there are any other codes along with P0562.
STEP 2: CHECK SERPENTINE OR ALTERNATOR BELT.
The alternator, which charges the battery and provides electrical power while the engine is running, is driven by either the serpentine belt or its own independent belt by the crankshaft pulley. Check the tension on this belt, and tighten it if necessary. Inspect the belt for any obvious damage, wear, or glazing. If the belt shows any of these symptoms, replace it.
STEP 3: CHECK WIRING.
Make sure all of the connections between the battery, alternator, and starter are tight. Look for any signs of damage or corrosion on the wires and their connections, and replace them if necessary.
STEP 4: TEST THE BATTERY.
Using a multimeter, check the voltage across the positive and negative battery terminals with the engine off. It should read consistently somewhere between 12.0 and 12.6 volts. If the voltage is lower or drops intermittently, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery and check again. If the voltage is still too low, you likely have a bad battery. If the voltage is good with the battery disconnected, there is likely a parasitic draw somewhere in your vehicle’s electrical system that will require advanced diagnostics to locate.
STEP 5: TEST THE CHARGING SYSTEM.
Reconnect the negative battery terminal if you disconnected it in Step 4. Start the engine, then check the voltage across the positive and negative battery terminals again. This time it should read consistently somewhere between 12.6 and 15 volts. If the reading is below this range, the alternator is not charging the battery.
You can also test the alternator by checking the voltage between the positive output on the alternator itself and a good vehicle ground. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the alternator is bad. If the voltage is good in this test but you read a lower voltage across the battery terminals, there is likely a problem with the wiring between the alternator and the battery, or a bad ground connection somewhere.
Common P0562 Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacing the battery before checking for faulty wiring or that the alternator is providing a good charge.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0562?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0562, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.
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Recovering autocross and track day enthusiast. Once turned a VW Jetta into a pickup truck. Lives in a van down by the river. Dream car: 2001 Subaru WRC rally car.
