System Voltage Low
The P0562 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: System Voltage Low. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- medium
- Estimated cost
- $100-$250 for battery; $150-$400 for alternator
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Common Symptoms
- Dim headlights and interior lights
- Check Engine Light on
- Battery warning light on
- Electrical accessories behaving erratically
- Hard starting or no-start
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Failing alternator not maintaining charge voltage Very High
- Weak or failing battery High
- Loose or corroded battery terminals or ground cables High
- Parasitic drain drawing down battery Moderate
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Test battery voltage with a multimeter: should be 12.4-12.6V at rest. Below 12.0V indicates a discharged or failing battery.
-
Test alternator output: should be 13.8-14.7V with the engine running. Below 13.5V indicates alternator trouble.
-
Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and tighten all connections.
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Check all ground straps from battery to chassis and engine block.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0562 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 5.3L Moderate DIY
System voltage low is almost always a failing alternator or corroded battery cable on GM trucks. Test the charging system -- voltage should be 13.8-14.5V at idle. If below 13V, replace the alternator. Also check the positive battery cable fusible link at the starter for resistance.
Labor: 1-1.5 hours2008-2018 Ford F-150 5.4L/5.0L Moderate DIY
Low system voltage on Ford trucks is commonly caused by a failing voltage regulator inside the alternator or corroded battery terminal clamps. Test with a multimeter at the battery while running. If charging voltage is below 13.5V, replace the alternator. Ford uses internally regulated alternators so the regulator is not serviceable separately.
Labor: 1-1.5 hours2006-2016 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi Easy DIY
The battery cable ground connection at the engine block corrodes and creates voltage drop on the Hemi Ram. Clean both battery terminals and the engine block ground strap with a wire brush. If the alternator tests good and grounds are clean, the battery itself may have a dead cell -- load test the battery.
Labor: 30 minutes - 1 hourFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is the battery or the alternator?
Jump-start the vehicle. If it runs normally and the voltage reads above 13.5V with a meter, the alternator is likely fine and the battery needs replacement. If voltage is low with the engine running, the alternator is failing.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
P0562 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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