What it means
The control module monitors vehicle electrical system voltage and sets this code when voltage is outside its calibrated operating range. The cause may be in the battery, charging system, wiring, or connections.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
How it works
The control module uses vehicle system voltage to operate its circuits and may monitor voltage from the battery or a voltage input. P0560 sets when that voltage is outside the module’s calibrated operating range, which can happen if the battery, alternator, or electrical connections cannot maintain stable system voltage.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Charging system marginal (aged battery or alternator)
- Corroded battery terminals or ground strap
Symptoms
- Check-engine or battery warning light may come on
- Slow or difficult engine starting
- Lights may dim or become unusually bright
- Electrical accessories may work erratically
How to diagnose it
- Read freeze-frame data and check for other battery, alternator, or power-supply codes to see when the voltage fault occurred and what systems may be involved.
- With the engine off, inspect the battery case, terminals, cables, and ground straps for damage, looseness, or corrosion.
- Measure battery voltage with the engine off and while cranking, and compare the readings with the manufacturer's specification.
- Measure charging voltage with the engine running and electrical loads on, checking whether the alternator maintains voltage within the manufacturer's specification.
- If battery and charging readings are normal, inspect power and ground connections at the control module and test for voltage drop across suspect cables and connections.
Common fixes
- Clean and tighten corroded or loose battery terminals and ground connections.
- Repair damaged battery or charging-system wiring.
- Replace a weak battery that fails the manufacturer's load test.
- Repair or replace the alternator or regulator if charging voltage is outside specification.
Can I keep driving?
If the engine starts and the lights and accessories work normally, a short trip to have the charging system checked may be possible. Avoid unnecessary driving if starting becomes difficult, lights dim, or electrical systems act erratically, since the vehicle could stall or fail to restart.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.