OBD-II Code P0562 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

P0562 means your car's electrical system voltage dropped below the normal operating range. Your car's computer expects to see about 13.5 to 14.5 volts when the engine is running. When voltage drops below this range, the computer stores P0562. You may notice dim headlights, slow power windows, or warning lights on the dashboard. This usually points to a charging system problem — the alternator or battery.

Affected Models

All vehicles 1996+
Common in Dodge Ram
Common in Jeep Grand Cherokee
Common in Chrysler 300
Common in Chevrolet Silverado

Common Causes

Failing alternator not producing enough voltage to charge the battery
Worn or loose serpentine belt slipping on the alternator pulley
Corroded or loose battery cable connections reducing current flow
Old or failing battery that can no longer hold a proper charge
Bad ground connection between the engine and the vehicle body

How to Fix It

Start by checking your battery connections. Turn off the engine, remove the battery cables, and clean the terminals and cable ends with a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner. Reconnect tightly.

Corrosion on battery terminals is one of the most overlooked causes of low voltage. A white or green crust on the terminals is corrosion.
Check the serpentine belt that drives the alternator. Look for cracks, glazing, fraying, or looseness. A slipping belt means the alternator can't spin fast enough to produce proper voltage.

Serpentine belts cost $20-$50 and are usually straightforward to replace. Check the belt tensioner too.
Have your battery tested at any auto parts store — most do this for free. A weak battery can drag down system voltage even when the alternator is working properly.

Car batteries typically last 3-5 years. If yours is older than that, replacement is a good idea regardless.
Have the alternator output tested. With the engine running, a multimeter across the battery terminals should read 13.5-14.5 volts. Below 13 volts means the alternator isn't charging properly.

Most auto parts stores will test your alternator for free while it's still on the car.
Check the ground connections from the engine block to the car body and from the battery negative cable to the body. Loose or corroded grounds can cause voltage drops throughout the electrical system.

Remove ground connections, clean the metal surfaces with sandpaper, and retighten. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.

When to Call a Professional

If a new battery and belt don't fix the voltage issue, have the alternator tested professionally. Some alternators fail intermittently and only drop voltage under load. A mechanic can load-test the charging system to catch intermittent failures. Expect to pay $50-$100 for charging system diagnosis. Alternator replacement typically costs $300-$700 with labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can low voltage cause other problems?

Yes, low voltage can trigger multiple warning lights and codes. Modern cars depend on stable voltage for dozens of electronic systems. Low voltage can cause erratic transmission shifting, ABS warnings, and gauge problems. If you're seeing multiple unrelated warning lights, check the charging system first. Fixing the voltage issue often clears all the other codes too.

How do I know if it's the battery or the alternator?

There's a simple test you can do. With the engine off, measure battery voltage — it should be 12.4-12.7 volts. Start the engine and measure again — it should jump to 13.5-14.5 volts. If it stays at 12 volts or lower with the engine running, the alternator is bad. If the battery can't hold 12 volts with the engine off, the battery is bad.

Can I drive with P0562?

You can, but be careful. If the alternator is failing, the battery is slowly draining while you drive. Eventually the battery will go dead and the car will stall. This could happen on the highway with no warning. Get the charging system checked as soon as possible to avoid being stranded.