P0562: System Voltage Low
The engine control unit measured a supply voltage that is too low.
High risk
The car may not restart or may stall. Have the battery and charging checked soon.
Short answer · Can I keep driving with P0562?
Short trips only. The car may stall or fail to restart. Have the battery and alternator tested before longer trips.
What does P0562 mean?
Code P0562 means the supply voltage at the engine control unit dropped below its minimum. Common causes are a weak battery, a charging problem or poor connections.
If the battery is old or the alternator weak, the voltage drops especially at idle with many electrical consumers on.
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 P0562
Can short trips cause P0562?
Yes. Short trips do not recharge the battery fully, which lowers its voltage over time.
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.