P0562 on Buick: How to Diagnose & Fix
System Voltage Low
2 Buick models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical · $500-$2,500 repair
P0562 on Buick by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Buick Regal models from 2012 and 2013 built with the eAssist mild-hybrid system are covered by GM recall 13V173000 (GM campaign 13136), an NHTSA electrical-system recall covering 42,904 vehicles campaign-wide across all of the models included in it. On an affected Regal, the Generator Control Module (GCM) that manages the eAssist system may not function properly. According to NHTSA, this can lead to a gradual loss of battery charge along with illumination of the malfunction indicator light. If the Regal keeps being driven in that condition, the engine may stall and/or the car may fail to start afterward. NHTSA also warns that the failing module can produce a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk — which is where the eAssist hardware lives on this car. Note that this applies only to eAssist-equipped Regals; non-eAssist Regals are outside the recall population.
Common Symptoms
- Malfunction indicator light illuminates
- Gradual loss of battery charge / battery going flat
- Engine stalls while driving
- Vehicle will not start
- Burning or melting odor
- Smoke from the trunk area
How to Fix
The repair is free at any Buick dealer. GM notified owners beginning June 11, 2013; dealers test the Generator Control Module and replace it if the test shows a fault, at no cost to the owner. If your 2012 or 2013 Regal has eAssist and you are not sure whether the work was done, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether recall 13V173000 is still open on your specific car — recall repairs remain free regardless of the vehicle's age or how many owners it has had. Owners can also contact GM directly at 1-800-521-7300 and reference campaign 13136. Because the consequence includes smoke and possible fire in the trunk, do not put off the check if the warning light is on or the battery is repeatedly going flat.
Sources for this issue (1)
LaCrosse models equipped with the eAssist mild-hybrid system suffer recurring charging and 12V battery problems tied to the Generator Control Module and the hybrid battery energy control module. Owners report parasitic battery drain, no-start conditions, and "Service Battery Charging System" messages. GM issued a recall (NHTSA 13V173000) for a Generator Control Module malfunction on eAssist cars, and dealers ran a module/battery exchange program through GM TAC.
Common Symptoms
- Service Battery Charging System warning message
- Battery drains overnight / parasitic draw
- No-start or intermittent no-start
- Reduced or lost hybrid assist and fuel economy
- Stalling
How to Fix
Have the dealer diagnose the Generator Control Module and Battery Energy Control Module per the GM exchange/recall program; replace failed modules and the 12V battery as needed. Check for the open recall by VIN. Inspect the hybrid battery control module wiring harness for shorts when chasing parasitic drain.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0562 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0562 mean on a Buick?
P0562 stands for "System Voltage Low." P0562 means the engine computer detected that the vehicle's system (battery/charging) voltage is too low for normal operation. The computer constantly monitors charging-system voltage because nearly every sensor, injector, and module depends on a stable supply; sustained low voltage can cause erratic behavior and other false codes. This is most often a charging or battery problem — the alternator isn't keeping up, the battery is weak, or there's resistance in the cables/grounds. You may notice dim lights, slow cranking, or multiple unrelated warning lights. On Buick it is documented across 2 models: Regal, LaCrosse.
What are the most common causes of P0562?
The most common causes of P0562 are: Failing alternator or worn alternator brushes/regulator, Weak, old, or discharged battery, Corroded, loose, or damaged battery cables and terminals, Bad engine or chassis ground connections, Slipping, glazed, or broken serpentine/drive belt, High resistance in charging system wiring or fusible link, Faulty PCM voltage reference or charging-system control. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0562 on a Buick?
Published repair estimates on Buick range from $500 to $2,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0562 on a different make?
View P0562 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.