P0560: System Voltage Malfunction
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.
What P0560 means
P0560 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the computer & electrical group.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Common causes
- 01Charging system marginal (aged battery or alternator)Most likely
- 02Corroded battery terminals or ground strapPossible
Can I drive with P0560?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0560
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0560. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the battery and alternator for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Charging system marginal (aged battery or alternator); corroded battery terminals or ground strap. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P0560 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.
Parts and systems involved
- Battery
- Alternator
- Battery cables
P0560 FAQ
What does P0560 mean?
P0560 means “System Voltage Malfunction”. 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.
Is P0560 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0560 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P0560?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Charging system marginal (aged battery or alternator); Corroded battery terminals or ground strap. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0560?
Typical labor is about $40–$315 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0560 myself?
DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0560 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.