OBD codes / P0563
P0563
SeriousSystem Voltage High
Treat P0563 with some urgency. Overcharging can cook the battery and stress electronics, and a battery damaged this way can fail suddenly. Get the charging system tested soon, and watch for a hot battery or a sulfur smell — if you notice those, have it looked at right away.
What this code means
P0563 means the car's electrical system voltage is running too HIGH — the charging system is overcharging. The usual cause is a faulty voltage regulator (built into the alternator on most modern cars), so the fix is often an alternator. A wiring or ground fault can also cause it. Overcharging matters because it can boil and ruin the battery and, in bad cases, damage sensitive electronics, so it shouldn't be left unaddressed.
Symptoms you might notice
- Battery or charging warning light
- Headlights or dash lights unusually bright
- A hot, swollen, or sulfur-smelling battery in bad cases
- Erratic electrical behavior
- Check-engine light
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $50–$700 · about ~0.3–2.5 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage regulator (where separate) | $30–$150 | ~0.3–1 hrs |
| Alternator (regulator built in) | $150–$600 | ~0.5–2.5 hrs |
| Wiring / ground repair | $10–$100 | ~0.3–1 hrs |
On most modern cars the regulator is part of the alternator, so the repair is an alternator — the main cost, with labor varying by access. Where the regulator is separate, or the cause is wiring/ground, it's cheaper. Check connections before condemning the alternator.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0563 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
Can I drive with P0563?
Cautiously and not for long. Overcharging can damage the battery and electronics. Get the charging system tested soon, and if the battery smells like sulfur or feels hot, stop driving and have it checked.
What causes P0563?
Most often a faulty voltage regulator, which on modern cars lives inside the alternator — so the repair is usually an alternator. Wiring or ground faults that confuse the regulator can also cause it and are cheaper to fix.
Can overcharging hurt my car?
Yes — sustained high voltage can boil the battery dry and damage sensitive electronic modules. That's why P0563 is worth addressing promptly rather than ignoring the battery light.
How much does it cost to fix P0563?
If it's wiring or a separate regulator, modest. On most cars it means an alternator, which is the expensive end (labor varies by how accessible it is). Test the system before replacing parts.
Seeing P0563 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0563 for my vehicleGeneric OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.