OBD codes / P0560
P0560
ModerateSystem Voltage Malfunction
Take P0560 seriously if you also see a battery light or dimming lights. If the alternator has quit, the car is running on battery alone and can die mid-drive once the battery drains — and then refuse to restart. Get the charging system tested promptly, and avoid long trips until you know it's charging properly.
What this code means
P0560 means the engine computer is seeing a system voltage that doesn't make sense — too low, too high, or jumping around — instead of the steady charging voltage it expects. The usual suspects are the charging system: a failing alternator or voltage regulator, a weak battery, a loose or glazed drive belt, or corroded battery terminals and ground straps. Sometimes the fault is just in the wiring that feeds the voltage reading to the computer rather than a real charging problem. Because erratic voltage confuses every computer on the car, this code often shows up alongside other seemingly unrelated codes. A basic battery and charging-system test is the right first step and is often free at parts stores.
Symptoms you might notice
- Battery or charging warning light
- Dim or flickering headlights and dash lights
- Slow cranking or intermittent no-start
- Electrical accessories acting erratic
- Other stored codes triggered by unstable voltage
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $20–$800 · about ~0.2–2 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Cable / ground / terminal cleanup | $5–$50 | ~0.3–1 hrs |
| Battery | $100–$300 | ~0.2–0.5 hrs |
| Alternator | $150–$500 | ~0.5–2 hrs |
Corroded terminals or a loose ground are the cheap causes and worth checking first — they're easy to miss and fix. A battery is mid-range. An alternator is the expensive end, and its labor varies a lot by how accessible it is on your engine.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0560 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
Can I keep driving with P0560?
Short local trips are usually fine while you arrange a test, but don't ignore it. If the charging system has actually failed, the battery will drain and the car can stall and strand you. A charging-system test settles it quickly and is often free at parts stores.
Is P0560 my alternator or my battery?
It could be either — or neither. Corroded terminals, a bad ground, a worn belt, or damaged sensing wiring can all produce this code. Test the battery and the alternator output before buying parts.
Why did P0560 set other codes at the same time?
Every computer on the car depends on stable voltage. When system voltage sags or spikes, modules misbehave and can store their own codes. Fix the voltage problem first, clear the codes, and see what genuinely comes back.
What does it cost to fix P0560?
Anywhere from a few dollars of terminal cleaning, to a battery, to an alternator at the higher end. The cause determines the bill, which is why testing the charging system first beats guessing.
Seeing P0560 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0560 for my vehicleRelated trouble codes
Don’t have a scanner yet? A ~$25 Bluetooth adapter reads codes like P0560 from your phone — see our honest guide to the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters.
Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.