Which Codes Will This Page Cover?
- P0562 System Voltage Low
- P0560 System Voltage
- P0561 System Voltage Unstable
- P0563 System Voltage High
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What Is the P0562 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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A P0562 code relates to voltage supply drops that can occur in your vehicle. Specifically, the code is activated when the Power Control Module (PCM) detects an irregular drop in the voltage supply. For example, around 13.5 to 15 volts should be supplied to the battery when the engine is on. However, that number drops to at least 12.4 volts in the system with the engine turned off. Since all electrical components in your car require a power source to work, the P0562 is a critical code to be aware of.
Every module or system in a vehicle has power and ground feeds, and the structures that make up these systems need a certain amount of voltage to perform as intended. Therefore, if the overall voltage system drops below a certain predefined threshold, these systems will either stop working correctly or cease working altogether. This is why system voltage should be monitored closely by the PCM and all of the vehicle’s electronics.
What Are the Symptoms of a P0562 Code?
Several symptoms may occur once the P0562 triggers in your vehicle. The first thing you will notice with the code is that the PCM will trigger the Check Engine Light on your vehicle’s dashboard. This may also be paired with a battery light or charging light that can illuminate on your dashboard. The drop in voltage that occurs with the P0562 code can cause electric functions in your vehicle, like fuel injection or power steering, to stop working correctly. You might even experience decreases in engine performance if the engine is incapable of maintaining the correct fuel mixture or ignition timing. This also may lead to decreased fuel economy in your car. Or you may find that your engine ceases to work entirely. You may also notice shifting problems if you drive a vehicle with automatic transmission. This is because the transmission also relies on the PCM to time its shifting patterns. For more information on transmission issues and repairs, visit our Transmission Repair Guide.
What Are Some Causes of a P0562 Code?
One of the most common causes of the P0562 code is a faulty or broken alternator or voltage regulator. If the alternator isn’t functioning correctly, this will cause an excessive drain of the battery and voltage levels. Another possible cause of the code is loose or corroded alternator wiring. You may also find that high resistance in the battery cables can cause inconsistencies in system voltage levels. Blown fuses are another common cause when dealing with a P0562 code and worn-out car batteries. If something is causing a large battery drain, or if there is defective wiring connecting the alternator to the PCM, you will notice a P0562 code error. Finally, and least commonly, a faulty or broken PCM can cause the code to set.
How Serious Is the P0562 Code?
The P0562 is a pretty severe code because if the voltage level in your car dips too low, your vehicle may stall at idle, or it may shut off entirely. This can be potentially hazardous in crowded urban driving conditions when you need to react quickly to traffic to avoid accidents. You may also experience that systems like the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or your power steering cease working, which can also be highly dangerous in crowded road conditions. This is why it’s crucial to get your vehicle checked out immediately by a qualified technician when you encounter a P0562 code.
Can I Still Drive with a P0562 Code?
As mentioned, the P0562 code is potentially hazardous because it can cause your vehicle’s engine to stall out or other electrical systems to cease working correctly. Driving when the P0562 code triggers in your car is not recommended, as you would be putting yourself and other people on the road in danger. If your engine stalls out in an intersection, you can potentially cause an accident involving multiple people and their vehicles. Have your vehicle inspected at the first chance you get when you see a P0562 code so that you don’t risk your vehicle or yourself any harm.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0562 Code?
Diagnosing a P0562 will take several steps and is best left to qualified technicians with experience diagnosing these sorts of issues. A technician will first use a scanning tool to find out if there are any other codes stored in the PCM that relate to the charging system. They will then disconnect the car battery charger and start the vehicle to check the voltage parameters. If the voltage drops below 12 volts when the engine is running, you most likely have a charging problem and need to find it. If the voltage is suitable, the technician can clear the code and try the car again to see if the code disappears.
The technician will then check the voltage on the battery between the positive and negative terminals while the vehicle is running by using a digital multimeter. They will then test the ground wiring by placing a jumper cable between a good ground point on the engine and connecting it to the negative pole of the battery. If they get a better charge value when the jump lead is connected, there is likely a grounding problem. You can also check the wiring to the alternator to make sure that they are displaying the correct voltage readings. Finally, you can try hitting the alternator with a hammer to see if the voltage rises. If it does, then the carbon in the alternator is most likely worn out, and you will need a new alternator.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0562 Code?
The first step in inspecting the P0562 code is to repair or replace any faulty or loose charging system grounds. If the issue is with the alternator, you will need to repair or replace the alternator entirely. If the technician finds that the battery is the cause of the problem, they will replace the bad battery and the battery cables if they are faulty. They may also recommend replacing the voltage regulator if it’s defective or replacing the alternator’s wiring and connectors. Finally, the technician may replace the PCM if it’s at fault. And since there are so many potential causes and systems to inspect, it’s not recommended to attempt to DIY or repair the P0562 issue yourself at home. This is best left to certified technicians who have hours of experience inspecting these sorts of problems.
Need Additional Help with Your P0562 Code?
Hopefully, you have been able to take away some helpful information about the P0562 code and why it’s such a serious code to encounter. You will want to follow our tips and get your vehicle inspected by qualified technicians so that you can keep your car running better for longer.
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