P0562: System Voltage Low
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
To a shop or parts store, yes - but a car with a failing charging system can die mid-drive. Test today.
Symptoms
- Dim lights, slow accessories
- Battery warning light
- Multiple random electrical codes together
Likely causes, most common first
- Alternator output failing
- Worn battery dragging the system down
- Corroded battery terminals or ground straps
- Loose serpentine belt
Read P0562 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0562 means system voltage sagged below threshold while running - the electrical system is not keeping itself fed. Modern cars tolerate low voltage badly: modules brown out and log unrelated codes, so P0562 often arrives with a confusing crowd of passengers.
Free charging-system tests at parts stores settle alternator-versus-battery in ten minutes. Clean terminals first; a fifty-cent layer of corrosion perfectly imitates a dying alternator.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Cars that report P0562 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0562?
To a shop or parts store, yes - but a car with a failing charging system can die mid-drive. Test today.
How much does it cost to fix P0562?
Typical US repair costs range from $20 for the simplest fix (terminal or ground cleaning) to $900 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.