Chevy Cruze: P0562 – System Voltage Low

The OBD-II common trouble code P0562 can be found in the OBD-II manual.  It’s a general code, which means that it means the same thing for any vehicle, including the Chevy Cruze.  P0562 This indicates the system voltage has dropped below 10 volts continuously for at least one minute.  With the engine running, the system voltage should be 14.1-14.4 volts, and it’s typically caused by a bad alternator.  It’s very common to get the battery light with P0562.

P0562 Quick Facts

• P0562 is triggered whenever your Cruze’s voltage drops below 10 volts for over a minute straight.
• With the engine running, ideal voltage should not exceed 14 volts
• It is rare to notice any symptoms.
• Most often, it is caused by an alternator problem.

P0562 Symptoms:  Chevy Cruze

If P0562 is the only code your Cruze has, there typically aren’t any noticeable symptoms.Other than the check engine/battery lamp.  If your battery voltage falls too low, you may experience symptoms.

If you do experience symptoms, it’s due to battery drain.  it is very likely that your Cruze wouldn’t even turn back on if you tried.  It will be impossible to start the starter from another battery.

Below are the top P0562 symptoms:

• Verify Engine LiabilityGht– This is the most common symptom, and often the only symptom.
• Warning/Low Battery–  You’ll more than likely get the battery light with this code.
• Poor Fuel Economy–  This can occur when your Cruze’s engine and computer are not getting enough voltage.  This could mean that the computer is unable to adjust ignition timings or fuel mixtures in real-time.  Oder, it may be too weak.
• Failure– Without enough voltage to fire the spark plugs properly, the motor will sputter and cough.  If there is enough misfire, the check engine lamp may flash.
• Probleme shifting– Today’s modern automatic transmissions are computer controlled.  Without enough voltage getting to them, they won’t be able to respond to the engine RPM and vehicle speed in a timely manner.
• Won’t Start– A very common situation with P0562 is running the vehicle and everything is operating fine, and the check engine light comes on (battery light too, usually).  You get the vehicle home and when you go to drive it again it won’t start.  It is most likely that the alternator has failed.  

P0562 Causes + Diagnosis:  Chevy Cruze

Below are the top causes of P0562.

1. Alternator

The alternator supplies voltage to the battery and to all of your Cruze’s electrical system while it is running.  Bad alternators can lead to P0562.  If it goes all the way bad that’s make diagnosing the code relatively easy.  The vehicle won’t start if it runs too long with a bad alternator.  How long it would take to drain the battery all the way is going to depend on the battery’s age and driving conditions.

It’s when the alternator begins to intermittently fail it can be tricky to diagnose.  Your alternator can be tested at most auto parts shops for no cost.  They will also be able to replace your alternator if you need it. Quite affordable.  You should also change your serpentine belt.

Chevy Cruze Alternator Diagnosis

2. Voltage regulator

In order to prevent the charger from overloading, it ensures that the required voltage level is maintained.  The regulator can prevent too high voltage passing through and even throw out P0562.

3. Wiring a battery

There’s a lot of wiring associated with your Cruze’s charging system.  The following wiring should be checked for corrosion, fraying, or poor connections.

• Battery terminals– The battery terminals, if left alone long enough, will corrode on any vehicle.  When this happens it’s difficult for the charging system to function properly.
• Wiring the Alternator and Battery– Take a look at the wiring from the alternator to the battery.  Examine the wiring from the alternator to battery for damage or fraying.  Particular attention should be paid to any parts which may come into contact with another part of your engine.
• Ground Wire– The ground wire that bolts to the negative battery terminal will bolt to the chassis or engine block.  You must ensure that your connection is secure and free from corrosion.
• Connect PCM to an Alternator– Check to see if the wiring going from the alternator straight to the PCM looks good.  This wiring has a great distance to travel so it can get damaged.  You should look for fraying at the junction of the wiring harness and the PCM.  It is not the most common wiring problem on our list. You should only investigate it if you are unable to find any other solutions.

4. Bad Battery

While a bad battery can throw P0562, it’s not nearly as likely as an alternator or wiring issue.  Before replacing it, you should test it.

5. Massive Battery Depletion

If your vehicle has aftermarket equipment such as a very high watt stereo system, winch, or something else, it could be placing such a heavy load on the charging system that you’re getting P0562.  It should take at most a minute for the code to be thrown.

A major power draw can occur if there is a problem.  If something goes wrong and draws too much power, this can occur.

Diagnostics for Chevy Cruze Battery Drain

Conclusion:  P0562 Chevy Cruze

Finding P0562 is not easy.  It’s usually the alternator that is at fault.  You can add anything to this article.  Good luck fixing your Cruze!