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.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

1,635

scans in the past year

Found in

0.3%

of scans

0.5%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0560 scans

P0657in 50.3% of scans

U3003in 28.8% of scans

U0001in 23.9% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

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.

Read & clear P0560 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX