P0562 fault code: System Voltage Low

Last updated · OBDCode UK editorial

Self-drawn engine management light for P0562 system voltage low
Decorative labelled telltale: the engine management light that P0562 usually sets. Normally amber. This code does not name the separate battery lamp.
Can I drive with P0562? — Limit driving

Our verified driving guidance for P0562 is limited driving: keep journeys short and avoid remote roads. If lamps dim, the engine cuts out, or steering or brake assist suddenly feels heavy, stop safely and arrange recovery.

P0562 means “System Voltage Low” — a vehicle speed and idle control fault in the powertrain. Limit driving. The engine computer is seeing the car's 12V electrical supply below the range it expects. That points at battery or charging supply, not at an engine mechanical failure. Voltage can collapse further while you drive.

Can I DIY?

Caution — conditions apply. We do not publish DIY repair or strip-down steps for this code on this page. Read codes and observe only; leave the repair to a qualified garage.

Caution — conditions applyDIY boundary
ToolsBasic tools only — for example a household socket set, tyre gauge, or a consumer OBD reader.

Some checks may be possible for a careful DIY driver with the right tools and a safe place to work. Stop if anything feels beyond your skill or kit.

12V electrical safety

On a 12V battery: disconnect negative first, reconnect negative last. Prevent sparks and short circuits. Stop if the battery is damaged or sits near orange high-voltage cables.

P05xxVehicle speed and idle control
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0562 mean?

P0562 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P05xx block, which covers vehicle speed and idle control. The stored description is “System Voltage Low”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

How to diagnose P0562 yourself

  1. Confirm P0562 and companion codes: Scan with an OBD-II reader. Record whether P0562 is current or pending, freeze-frame voltage if shown, and any other charging, battery or network codes. Stop if: The car will not keep running long enough to scan, or lamps are already very dim. Arrange recovery rather than jump-starting as a 'fix'.
    Generic driver footwell showing a broad OBD-II socket search zone and the usual 16-pin socket shape.
    Park safely and switch off before locating the socket. Its position varies, so use the vehicle handbook and never force or dismantle trim.
  2. Note the battery or charge warning lamp: With ignition on, and again with the engine running if it will start, note whether the battery or charge warning lamp is on, dim or flickering, and whether other dash lamps look weak. Stop if: Lamps go very dim, the engine cuts out, or steering or brake assist suddenly feels heavy. Stop safely and arrange recovery.
  3. Measure 12V at the battery posts: Engine off, firm level ground. If you have a basic multimeter, measure only at the 12V battery posts. Keep tools off both terminals at once. Do not probe orange high-voltage cables on a hybrid or EV. Compare with your handbook — this page publishes no voltage table. Stop if: The battery is swollen, leaking, or sits next to orange high-voltage cables. Stop and use a qualified technician.

Will P0562 fail an MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major defect at MOT until the fault is repaired and the light stays off. A charging fault can also leave obligatory lamps too dim, which is a separate lighting defect.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

What the MOT data says

No MOT certificate item corresponds to this code; MOT outcome data cannot be shown.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe. Battery warning light on while driving: stop safely and recoverNo — if the battery-shaped warning light stays on after the engine starts, comes on while the engine is running, or remains on while a hybrid or electric car is in READY mode, d… Alternator replacement cost: prove the charging faultBattery, belt, cable and control faults can imitate alternator failure, so compare diagnosis as well as parts.
P0500Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' P0501Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' Range/Performance P0502Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' Circuit Low Input P0503Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' Intermittent/Erratic/High P0504Brake Switch 'A'/'B' Correlation P0505Idle Air Control System P0506Idle Air Control System RPM Lower Than Expected P0507Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected

P0562 — quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0562?

Limit driving. Our verified driving guidance for P0562 is limited driving: keep journeys short and avoid remote roads. If lamps dim, the engine cuts out, or steering or brake assist suddenly feels heavy, stop safely and arrange recovery.

Can I fix P0562 myself?

Caution — conditions apply. We do not publish DIY repair or strip-down steps for this code on this page. Read codes and observe only; leave the repair to a qualified garage. Basic tools only — for example a household socket set, tyre gauge, or a consumer OBD reader.

Will P0562 fail my MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major defect at MOT until the fault is repaired and the light stays off. A charging fault can also leave obligatory lamps too dim, which is a separate lighting defect.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.