P0563: System voltage high

What P0563 means

The ECU has measured a supply voltage above normal. Most often the alternator’s voltage regulator has failed and is overcharging. It can also appear after a jump start or with a battery charger connected the wrong way round or left on.

Most common causes

• Jump start or battery charger connected with the engine running
• Battery terminals loose or making poor contact
• Faulty alternator voltage regulator
• Poor alternator or engine earth
• Badly worn battery that will not take a charge

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on, sometimes with the battery light
• Lights brighter than usual or bulbs blowing
• Unusual smell or heat from the battery

Can you drive with P0563?

With care Too much voltage can damage the battery and other electrical parts. You can drive, but get it repaired soon.

How to check it

With the engine running, check the control module voltage on the scan tool: if it is clearly above about 15 volts, the alternator is overcharging. If the code appeared after a jump start or charging, clear it and see if it comes back.

How to read and clear P0563 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 P0563 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

• P0532 A/C refrigerant pressure sensor: low input
• P0533 A/C refrigerant pressure sensor: high input
• P0560 System voltage: malfunction
• P0562 System voltage low
• 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

P0563 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Citroën, Hyundai, Mini, Seat, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.