P0560
System Voltage MalfunctionP0560 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: System Voltage Malfunction. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0560 means
P0560 is an SAE generic powertrain code set by the PCM/ECM when it detects that the vehicle's system voltage is outside the acceptable operating range. Under normal running conditions the charging system should maintain a regulated voltage of approximately 13.8–14.4 V at the battery terminals. If the PCM observes voltage that falls below roughly 10 V or rises above approximately 16 V for a calibrated period of time, it stores P0560.
The root cause is almost always in one of three subsystems: the battery, the alternator, or the interconnecting wiring and ground paths. Aftermarket electrical accessories can also pull system voltage outside PCM tolerances and trigger the code.
Because nearly every electronic control module in a modern vehicle relies on stable supply voltage, P0560 can produce a wide cascade of secondary faults.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0560 is logged.
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1
Weak, aged, or internally shorted battery unable to hold adequate charge
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2
Faulty alternator (failed diode pack, worn brushes, defective internal voltage regulator)
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3
Corroded, loose, or damaged battery terminal connections
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4
Poor or high-resistance ground connections at battery, engine block, or body
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5
Damaged, chafed, or open-circuit wiring in the charging circuit
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6
Parasitic electrical drain keeping battery voltage abnormally low
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7
Improperly installed aftermarket electrical accessories (audio amplifiers, security systems)
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8
Defective starter motor causing excessive current draw during cranking
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0560
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Connect a scan tool, retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data
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2
Perform a visual inspection of the battery terminals, cable ends, and accessible wiring
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3
Load-test the battery with a dedicated battery tester
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4
With the engine running, measure alternator output voltage at the battery terminals
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5
Inspect all major ground straps
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6
Check for parasitic battery drain using a milliamp clamp meter
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7
After repairs, clear codes, perform a full drive cycle
Related powertrain codes
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0560 code?
Short distances may be possible, but it is not advisable. If the charging system is failing, the battery can discharge to the point where the engine stalls.
Will a new battery alone fix P0560?
Sometimes, but not always. If the alternator's voltage regulator or diode pack is faulty, the new battery will simply discharge again.
Why does P0560 appear alongside transmission or ABS codes?
Nearly every module on the vehicle depends on stable supply voltage. When system voltage is abnormal, those modules can store their own fault codes.
What voltage range does the PCM expect, and what triggers the code?
Most PCMs expect system voltage between approximately 10 V and 16 V during normal operation, with the alternator regulated to around 13.8–14.4 V.
Disabling P0560 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0560 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
Got P0560 in your scan?
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