P0560Generic code

P0560 Code: System Voltage

The P0560 code means the computer detected an abnormal supply voltage. Check the battery, alternator, terminals and grounds before anything else. Low or unstable voltage can set false codes in other systems.

Severity
High
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$0 to $600
Difficulty
Easy
System
Computer and Outputs
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0560 code means

The computer constantly measures the supply voltage it receives. With the engine running it should read about 13.5 to 14.7 V (alternator charging), and with the engine off about 12.4 to 12.7 V if the battery is in good shape.

The P0560 code signals a general system voltage fault: out of range, missing or inconsistent. Incorrect voltage affects every sensor and actuator and sets false codes in other systems.

Many of these faults come from loose or sulfated battery terminals and from corroded grounds between the engine, the body and the computer.

A battery can read 12.6 V at rest and still be bad, because the real test is under load. A battery tester, or the voltage drop while cranking (it should not fall below about 9.6 V), tells you far more than a simple reading at rest. On vehicles with start-stop, a battery of the wrong type sets voltage codes and disables the system.

P0560 code symptoms

  • Hard starting or a dead battery.
  • Lights that change in brightness.
  • Several warning lights and codes at the same time.

Likely causes of the P0560 code

  1. Bad battery. It cannot hold voltage under load.
  2. Faulty alternator or regulator. It does not charge, or charges unevenly.
  3. Loose or sulfated terminals. The cheapest and most frequent cause.
  4. Corroded grounds between the engine, the body and the computer.
  5. Computer power fuse with poor contact.

How to diagnose the P0560 code step by step

  1. Measure the battery voltage at rest and with the engine running.
  2. Do a battery load test.
  3. Measure the voltage drop across grounds and positive cables. It should be under 0.2 V.
  4. Compare the voltage at the computer with the battery voltage.
  5. Measure the voltage while cranking. It should not fall below about 9.6 V.

How to fix the P0560 code

  • Clean and tighten the terminals and grounds.
  • Replace the battery or the alternator if they fail.
  • Clear the codes in all the modules.

Technical reference data

  • Battery at rest: 12.4 to 12.7 V.
  • With the engine running: 13.5 to 14.7 V.
  • Voltage drop across grounds and positive cables: under 0.2 V.
  • Minimum voltage while cranking: about 9.6 V.
  • These values are a general guide: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

On vehicles with a start-stop system or smart alternator management, the battery must be the correct type (AGM or EFB), and it often has to be registered with the scan tool after it is replaced.

Frequently asked questions about P0560

What does the P0560 code mean?
It is a generic OBD2 code that means the computer detected an abnormal supply voltage. The voltage can be out of range, missing or inconsistent.
Can I drive with a P0560 code?
With caution. The vehicle can run out of electrical power and leave you stranded.
Can it cause other codes?
Yes, many. Wrong voltage affects every sensor and actuator.
What should I check first?
The battery terminals and the grounds.
How much does it cost to fix P0560?
Between $0 and $600. Cleaning terminals and grounds costs almost nothing, and a new battery or alternator with labor is at the high end.
Will a P0560 code clear itself?
Only if the voltage problem was temporary. A weak battery, a bad alternator or a corroded ground will bring the P0560 code back.
What is the most common cause of P0560?
Loose or sulfated battery terminals and corroded grounds. A bad battery or a failing alternator come next.

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