P0560

  • Powertrain
  • Generic (SAE)
SeveritySeverity level 3 of 5: Diagnose soon.

Diagnose soon

Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.

Standard definition

System Voltage Malfunction

This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.

In plain English

A general fault in the system voltage seen by the ECU — value implausible, missing, or unstable but without crossing the specific thresholds of P0562 (low) or P0563 (high). Often appears intermittently with a marginal alternator or weak battery.

A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.

Can I keep driving?
Safe to drive
Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.
Urgency
Diagnose soon
Will it pass emissions
Not affected
Check engine light
Solid
Likely causes
#CauseHow oftenComponent
1Charging system marginal (aged battery or alternator)Very common
2Corroded battery terminals or ground strapCommon

Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.

Components involved
Sources
Definition
Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
Diagnostic guidance
Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
Review status
Awaiting review

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