P0562: System Voltage Low

What does P0562 mean?

The ECM monitors the battery voltage it receives. When the voltage stays below its threshold with the engine running, it stores P0562. Low voltage can affect many systems, including shifting on some automatics.

Both references list the alternator, the voltage regulator, battery problems, loose or corroded cables and grounds, and parasitic drains as common causes.

Common symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Battery or charging warning light
• Dim lights or weak electrical accessories
• Hard starting or a dead battery
• Erratic shifting on some vehicles

Common causes

The causes below are the ones commonly seen with P0562. The actual cause can vary by vehicle, engine and mileage, so treat this list as a starting point, not a diagnosis.

• A failing alternator or voltage regulator
• A weak or failing battery
• Loose, corroded or damaged battery cables or grounds
• A parasitic drain that discharges the battery
• A slipping or worn drive belt (on belt driven alternators)

What to check with a scanner

• Watch control module voltage in Live data with the engine running, then turn on lights, fan and rear defrost and see whether it drops.
• Check the battery terminals for corrosion and tightness.
• Look at the drive belt for wear or slipping noises.
• Note any other electrical or communication codes.

How to read and clear P0562 with OBD Master Pro

1. Plug in your adapter. Connect a generic ELM327 (or ELM329) OBD2 adapter to the diagnostic port, usually under the dashboard on the driver's side. Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi and USB OTG adapters are supported.
2. Switch the ignition on. Turn the key to ON or start the engine, depending on your car.
3. Connect in OBD Master Pro. Open the app, go to Connection and pick your adapter. Classic Bluetooth adapters connect from the Bluetooth tab, Bluetooth LE adapters from the BLE tab with no pairing needed. Use the generic OBD2 / EOBD profile or your car's brand profile.
4. Read the codes. Open the fault codes screen to see stored, pending and permanent codes. Confirm P0562 is listed and note any other codes, since they often explain the cause.
5. Check the details. Look at freeze frame data, Live data and, where your car supports it, Mode 06 test results (see the checks above).
6. Fix, then clear. After the repair, clear the codes to turn off the check engine light. Clearing also resets the emissions readiness monitors, so drive normally and check the readiness screen before any inspection. Permanent codes cannot be erased with a scan tool; they clear on their own once the car's self test passes.

Tip: you can also look up P0562 and other codes in the app's DTC search without connecting to a car. If your adapter will not connect, use Connection > Share connection log and email it to support. Many cheap ELM327 clones only handle basic engine OBD2, which is all you need for P0562.

When to see a mechanic

Get professional help if any of these apply:

• The battery light is on while driving
• The battery keeps going flat
• The alternator output needs testing

If you are unsure, a qualified technician can confirm the cause with tests such as smoke testing, pressure testing or scope readings. Clearing a code does not repair the fault.

Related trouble codes

See all OBD2 trouble code guides

Related guides

Check engine light on: what to do · How to read an OBD2 code (P, B, C, U) · Stored, pending and permanent codes and freeze frame · OBD2 readiness monitors explained · OBD2 glossary · OBD2 by car brand