Fault codeP0562

MODERATE

System Voltage Low

What this code means

System Voltage Low.

P0562 is a generic code: it means the same thing on every make. P0562 belongs to family P05xx — Idle speed and vehicle speed control. Its page explains how to read a code and groups all its codes by part.

System voltage

The control unit monitors the voltage of the electrical system it is fed by. A voltage too low or too high disturbs the sensors and the actuators, so it records these codes and may disable some functions.

Symptoms

Laboured starting, dim headlights at idle, battery light on or flickering, temperamental electrical accessories, and often a burst of other unrelated codes — sensors, communication. The control unit measured a supply voltage too low for too long.

Common causes

Alternator no longer charging enough: regulator, diodes, worn brushes
Slack auxiliary belt slipping on the alternator pulley
Battery at the end of its life, unable to hold voltage
Corroded or loose battery terminals or ground strap
Parasitic drain flattening the battery while parked

How to diagnose it

Read the voltage in live data: engine off, a healthy battery is above 12.4 V; engine running, the alternator should bring it to between 13.8 and 14.4 V. Below 13 V with the engine running, the alternator or its belt is at fault; below 12 V with the engine off, the battery.

Clean and tighten the terminals before anything else. Have the battery load-tested: most parts retailers do it free.

Watch it live in Klaro

With an OBD2 adapter plugged in, these live readings show the part at work, when your car reports them:

Control module voltage

What to do

Have it checked this week. The car remains usable, but the fault will not clear itself and will fail the roadworthiness test.

Clearing a code switches the light off but repairs nothing: if the fault remains, the code comes back. Clearing a fault code yourself →

Repair cost

Cleaning terminals: free. Belt: €30 to €100. Battery: €80 to €250. Alternator: €150 to €600 fitted — a reconditioned exchange unit costs less.

How to read this code

PPowertrain
0standardised code
5Idle speed and vehicle speed control
62P0562