P0560: System Voltage
The voltage the engine control unit receives is unstable or outside the expected range.
High risk
Usually drivable, but a weak battery or charging fault can leave you stranded. Have it checked soon.
Short answer · Can I keep driving with P0560?
Usually yes, but check the battery and charging system soon. If the battery warning light is on, the car may stop when the battery is flat.
What does P0560 mean?
Code P0560 is a general fault in the system voltage the control unit measures. P0562 and P0563 are the more specific low and high versions. A weak battery, a charging fault or poor connections are the usual causes.
What the car does when the code is set
The battery warning or check engine light may come on, together with other warnings. Electrical systems may switch off non-essential loads, the start-stop function may stop working and the engine may stall or not restart.
How the system works
With the engine off, the battery supplies all electrical loads. Once the engine runs, the alternator takes over and recharges the battery, holding system voltage at roughly 13.5–14.8 volts depending on temperature and battery management. Control units need a stable supply: too little voltage can make them reset or misread sensors, too much can damage them. The engine control unit measures its supply voltage continuously and stores a code if it stays outside the allowed window for longer than a set time.
Common symptoms
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. The cause on your car depends on make, engine and mileage — see the maker notes below.
- Weak or failing batteryThe battery cannot keep the voltage up.
- Alternator not charging properlyA worn regulator, brushes or slipping belt.
- Poor connectionsLoose or corroded battery terminals and ground straps.
- Wiring fault to the control unitVoltage drop in the supply circuit.
How it is diagnosed
- Measure battery voltageEngine off: about 12.6 V when fully charged. Engine running: usually about 13.5–14.8 V.
- Check terminals and groundsClean and tighten battery terminals and engine and body ground straps.
- Test the batteryA load or conductance test shows whether the battery can still deliver current.
- Test the alternatorCheck charging voltage with lights and blower on. Check the belt condition and tension.
Questions about P0560
Can a new battery fix P0560?
If the old battery was weak, yes. Test the charging system too, as a failing alternator gives the same code.
Why do several warning lights come on together?
Low voltage disturbs many control units at once, so several unrelated warnings can appear together. Fixing the supply usually clears them.
Can a dash camera or other accessory cause this?
Accessories that drain the battery while parked can weaken it and set low-voltage codes.