OBD codes / P0562
P0562
SeriousSystem Voltage Low
Treat P0562 with some urgency, especially if you see a battery light. If the alternator isn't charging, the car is running on battery alone and can stall and refuse to restart once it drains — possibly far from home. Get the charging system tested soon, and don't set off on a long trip until you know it's healthy.
What this code means
P0562 means the car's electrical system voltage is running too low — the charging system isn't keeping up. The usual cause is a failing alternator, but a weak or dying battery, a loose or worn drive belt, or corroded battery cables and ground connections can all cause it. Low system voltage can make the engine run poorly and, if it's the charging system, can leave you stranded when the battery finally drains. It's worth testing the charging system promptly.
Symptoms you might notice
- Battery or charging warning light
- Dim headlights or flickering dash lights
- Slow cranking or a no-start
- Electrical accessories acting weak or erratic
- Check-engine light
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $50–$800 · about ~0.3–2.5 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | $100–$300 | ~0.2–0.5 hrs |
| Alternator | $150–$600 | ~0.5–2.5 hrs |
| Belt / cable / ground repair | $10–$100 | ~0.3–1 hrs |
A corroded cable or loose ground is the cheap, easy-to-miss cause worth checking first. A battery is mid-range; an alternator is the expensive end and labor varies a lot by how buried it is on the engine.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0562 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
Can I drive with P0562?
Cautiously and not far. If the charging system has failed, you're running on the battery and could be stranded when it drains. Get to a shop or parts store to test the charging system before any longer drive.
Is P0562 the alternator or the battery?
Either, plus belts and connections. A failing alternator is the classic cause, but a weak battery, a loose belt, or corroded cables/grounds can all drop system voltage. A charging-system test (often free at parts stores) sorts it out.
Why is my battery light on with P0562?
Because the system voltage is low, which usually means the alternator isn't charging properly. The battery light is the charging-system warning — take it seriously, since the car is then running on stored battery power only.
How much does it cost to fix P0562?
From a cheap cable/ground cleanup, to a battery, to an alternator (the expensive end). Have the charging system tested first so you replace the right part rather than guessing.
Seeing P0562 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0562 for my vehicleGeneric OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.