P0562: System voltage low
The ECU sees less voltage than it should on the electrical system. Usually a flat battery, loose terminals or an alternator that is not charging.
| Code | P0562 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P05xx, Speed, idle and auxiliary inputs |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0562 means
The ECU has measured a supply voltage below normal. Most often the battery is low or the alternator is not charging. It can also come from a bad connection at the terminals, the earths or the wire that feeds the ECU itself.
Most common causes
- Discharged battery or one near the end of its life
- Battery terminals loose or corroded
- Alternator belt loose, slipping or broken
- Faulty alternator or regulator
- Poor engine or ECU earth
- Something draining the battery while the car is parked
Symptoms
- Engine warning light and often the battery light on
- Car struggles to start
- Dim or flickering lights
- Assorted electrical faults, locks or radio resetting
Can you drive with P0562?
With care If the alternator is not charging, the car will drain the battery until it stops. Keep journeys short and get it checked as soon as possible.
How to check it
With the engine running, check the control module voltage on the scan tool: if it stays below about 13 volts, the alternator is not charging properly. Engine off, a reading under 12.2 volts means a low battery.
How to read and clear P0562 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0562 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0530 A/C refrigerant pressure sensor: circuit fault
- P0532 A/C refrigerant pressure sensor: low input
- P0533 A/C refrigerant pressure sensor: high input
- P0560 System voltage: malfunction
- P0563 System voltage high
- P0571 Cruise control brake switch A: circuit fault
- P0500 Vehicle speed sensor malfunction
- P0501 Vehicle speed sensor range/performance
- P0502 Vehicle speed sensor circuit low input
- P0503 Vehicle speed sensor intermittent, erratic or high
P0562 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Cupra, Hyundai, Jeep, Mini, Seat. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
What does code P0562 mean?
The ECU has measured a supply voltage below normal. Most often the battery is low or the alternator is not charging. It can also come from a bad connection at the terminals, the earths or the wire that feeds the ECU itself.
Can you drive with P0562?
If the alternator is not charging, the car will drain the battery until it stops. Keep journeys short and get it checked as soon as possible.
How do you clear P0562?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0562 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads the faults of every control unit for free, including each make’s own codes, and with Pro explains each one in plain English. Free clears engine faults at no cost.
Coming soon
Mid to late October 2026
If you want to try it in your car before anyone else, send us your email and we will add you as a tester.
info@finalobd.com