P0560

What it means

P0560 is the generic code for a system voltage fault. The powertrain control module monitors the battery or charging system voltage and has seen it outside the expected range, either too low, too high or unstable, for longer than its test allows. The exact thresholds and whether the fault is a high, low or erratic voltage vary between manufacturers and models.

Symptoms

• Battery or charging warning light on the dashboard
• Malfunction indicator lamp on
• Engine hard to start, slow cranking or stalling
• Flickering or dimming headlights and interior lights
• Erratic gauges, or other warning lights appearing at the same time
• Rough running or hesitation caused by unstable supply to the control units

Possible causes

• Weak, old or discharged battery that cannot hold voltagelikely
• Corroded, loose or dirty battery terminals or earth connectionslikely
• Worn or faulty alternator or its voltage regulator not charging correctlylikely
• Slipping, worn or incorrectly tensioned drive belt reducing alternator outputpossible
• Damaged wiring, fusible links or connectors in the charging circuit or the power feed to the control modulepossible
• Excessive parasitic drain or an added electrical load pulling voltage downpossible
• Fault inside the powertrain control module or in its voltage monitoring circuitrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data to see engine speed, load and voltage when the fault set, and look for other charging or low voltage codes.
2. Visually inspect the battery, terminals, main earth straps, alternator wiring and drive belt for corrosion, looseness, damage or wear.
3. Measure battery voltage with the engine off after the car has rested; a healthy battery should read around 12.4 to 12.7 volts.
4. Carry out a battery load or conductance test to judge its condition, following the vehicle maker's procedure.
5. Measure voltage at the battery with the engine running at idle and again at raised revs, with and without electrical loads switched on, and compare with the specification for the model.
6. Check for voltage drop on the positive and earth cables between the battery, alternator and engine block.
7. Check for parasitic drain with the car asleep, and check the relevant fuses and relays, noting that the layout depends on the model.
8. If the charging system tests well, check the power, earth and voltage sense circuits at the control module before suspecting the module itself.

How to fix

• Clean and tighten the battery terminals and earth connections, and replace any corroded cables or terminals.
• Replace the battery if it fails testing, and make sure the new one is the correct specification and is registered to the vehicle if the model requires it.
• Repair or replace the alternator or regulator if output is out of specification.
• Replace or correctly tension the drive belt and tensioner if worn or slipping.
• Repair damaged wiring, connectors or fusible links in the charging and power supply circuits.
• Trace and remove the cause of any excess electrical load or parasitic drain, then clear the code and confirm it does not return.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P055FGenericEngine Oil Pressure Out of Range
• P0561GenericSystem Voltage Unstable