P0560
System Voltage
Charging / electrical
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0560 means the ECM has detected the vehicle's system (battery) voltage outside the expected range or behaving erratically. Because nearly every module depends on stable voltage, this can cause stalling, flickering lights, strange electronic faults, or a no-start. It usually points to the battery, its connections, or the charging system.
High
Can I keep driving? Risky — unstable system voltage can cause stalling, erratic electronics, or a no-start. Get the battery and charging system checked before driving far.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine and/or battery warning light on
- Hard starting or no-start
- Dim or flickering lights
- Stalling or erratic electrical behavior
Common causes
Most likely first
- Weak or failing batteryLikely
- Loose, dirty, or corroded battery terminals and ground strapsCommon
- Failing alternator or voltage regulatorCommon
- Damaged charging-circuit wiring or a poor connectionLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Load-test the battery and clean/tighten the terminals and ground connections first — the cheapest common cause.
- Measure charging voltage at idle (should be roughly 13.5–14.7V); a low or wildly swinging reading points to the alternator or regulator.
- Inspect the main charging cable and grounds for corrosion, chafing, or high resistance.
- Replace the alternator or voltage regulator if output is out of spec with good wiring.
- Clear the code and re-test the charging system under load.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0560?+
Not for long. Unstable voltage can leave you stranded with a stall or no-start and can upset other modules. Have the battery and alternator tested promptly.
Can I just clear P0560?+
Clearing it won't fix an unstable charging system — it will come back and you risk being stranded. Diagnose the battery and alternator first.
Related codes
Often seen with P0560
Read & clear P0560 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX