Meaning
The voltage received by the engine computer is below normal (usually below about 10–11 V) for a period of time.
Urgency
Medium to high. If the generator is not charging, the car will only run until the battery is dead, then it will shut off.
It affects
All cars. Battery, generator and regulator, belt, terminals and tables.
What does P0562 mean
With the engine running, the on-board voltage should be around 13,5–14,5 V. If it drops much lower, the electronics become unstable and the computer records P0562. The reverse—too high a voltage—is P0563. A problem in the control of the generator gives P0620.
Symptoms
- The charging light is on (battery)
- Difficult ignition, slow cranking starter
- Dimming lights, weird dashboard bugs
- Engine cuts out while driving
| Can it be driven?
Only to the workshop if the charging light is on. Turn off unnecessary consumers — air conditioning, heating, radio — to get there.
Common reasons
- Dead or damaged battery.
- Defective generator or voltage regulator.
- Broken, stretched or slipping belt of the generator.
- Oxidized terminals, loose or corroded grounds.
- A consumer that drains the battery with the car stopped.
How we diagnose it
- We test the battery under load.
- We measure charging at idle and with consumers on.
- We check the belt, terminals and tables.
- If necessary, we measure the leakage current when the car is locked.