P0562 on Ford: How to Diagnose & Fix
System Voltage Low
8 Ford models · 8 documented issues · 2 critical · $150-$1,000 repair
P0562 on Ford by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
NHTSA recall 24V267000 (Ford reference 24S24) covers 456,565 model year 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The Body Control Module and Powertrain Control Module fail to detect 12V battery degradation, resulting in loss of motive power whenever an Auto Stop/Start event occurs or during low-speed braking. Two follow-up campaigns address inadequate initial remedies: 25S02 (NHTSA 25V019, January 2025) replaced defective Camel EFB batteries with Ford AGM units on 272,817 vehicles, and 25S26 (NHTSA 25V158, March 2025) re-fixed 12,833 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly. Dealers reflash control modules and/or replace the battery free of charge.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle stalls at low speeds or when coming to a stop
- Engine does not restart after Auto Start-Stop activates
- Loss of interior lights and accessories when stalling
- Air conditioning cuts out unexpectedly
- "Remote Access disabled to reserve battery" alert in FordPass app
- Battery warning light
- No-start condition
How to Fix
Ford Safety Recall 24S24 - free software update at any Ford dealer for BCM and PCM. Takes approximately 1-2 hours. Check fordowner.com or safercar.gov with VIN for recall status. If experiencing stalling or no-restart issues before recall service: disable Auto Start-Stop feature (button typically near shifter). Replace 12V battery if it is weak or over 3 years old as preventive measure.
Sources for this issue (2)
The 2000-2007 Ford Taurus experiences premature alternator failure, with some units failing as early as 34,000 miles according to Taurus Club of America forum reports. CarComplaints.com documents alternator failure as a reported issue for the 1997-2007 model years with an average repair cost of $270 at 135,750 miles. The 2002-2007 generation appears most affected based on forum complaint density. YourMechanic.com estimates alternator replacement between $533 and $695 for most Taurus model years. Symptoms include dashboard battery warning light, dimming headlights at idle, difficulty starting, and eventual complete electrical system failure and stalling. The internal voltage regulator is a common failure point, along with bearing wear that produces a grinding noise.
Common Symptoms
- Battery warning light illuminated on dashboard
- Dimming headlights, especially at idle
- Difficulty starting or slow cranking
- Vehicle stalls while driving (complete alternator failure)
- Grinding or whining noise from alternator
- Electrical accessories flickering or losing power
- Battery drains overnight despite being new
How to Fix
Replace the alternator - the internal voltage regulator is not serviceable separately on Taurus alternators. OEM Motorcraft alternators are recommended over cheap rebuilt units that have high return rates. Cost is $533-695 at an independent shop per RepairPal/YourMechanic. When replacing, also inspect the serpentine belt and automatic belt tensioner - a worn tensioner can cause belt slippage that mimics alternator failure. Test the battery after alternator replacement - a chronically undercharged battery may have permanent sulfation damage.
Sources for this issue (1)
The alternator fails prematurely, often due to the internal voltage regulator burning out. Causes battery discharge, dim lights, and eventual no-start. The 2.0L Zetec engine alternator is slightly more reliable than the earlier 1.9L unit.
Common Symptoms
- Battery warning light
- Dim headlights at idle
- Dead battery
- Electrical accessories cutting out
How to Fix
Replace the alternator. A remanufactured unit is cost-effective. Test the battery as chronic undercharging may have damaged it.
Sources for this issue (1)
On certain 2019-2020 F-150s, the fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and the Battery Monitoring Sensor (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may not be properly torqued, partly due to leftover wiring-eyelet adhesive on the BMS terminal interfering with metal-to-metal contact. This 'soft joint' creates intermittent high resistance that can cause flickering or inoperative instrument-panel displays, loss of braking or steering assist, and engine stalling. Worse, the resistive connection can overheat, leading to smoke, melting, or fire. Ford issued Safety Recall 19S40 (NHTSA 19V805) covering about 135,725 U.S. vehicles built at the Dearborn and Kansas City plants in mid-to-late 2019. This is a positive-terminal connection defect — separate from negative/ground cable corrosion no-start gripes and distinct from the FPDM corrosion issue. The related positive battery cable assembly is Ford PN JL3Z-14300-E.
Common Symptoms
- Intermittent or blank instrument-panel displays
- Loss of power-steering or power-brake assist
- Engine stalling
- Burning smell, smoke, or melted insulation at the battery terminal
- Battery/charging warning lights
How to Fix
This is a free safety-recall repair (19S40). Dealers inspect the positive battery cable / BMS / PDB joint, remove any excess sealant adhesive, reassemble, and retorque the fastener to spec. Owners should check VIN eligibility on Ford's recall site or NHTSA and have the work performed at no charge. If experiencing intermittent electrical faults, stalling, or any burning smell at the battery, stop driving and have it inspected promptly given the fire risk.
Sources for this issue (1)
The Lightning's 12V battery is only recharged by the DC-to-DC converter while the high-voltage battery is charging or the truck is on, so parked trucks can experience 12V undercharge and parasitic (vampire) drain despite a full traction battery. Owners widely report "Plug in to maintain 12V battery" and "electrical system power reduced"/"electric system drain" messages, low 12V state-of-charge, and no-start conditions after sitting. A depleted 12V battery is also a leading cause of failed OTA updates.
Common Symptoms
- "Plug in to maintain 12V battery" message
- "Electrical system power reduced" warning
- Low 12V state-of-charge despite good voltage
- No-start / dead 12V battery after sitting
- Failed or stuck OTA software updates
How to Fix
Keep the truck plugged in / on a maintainer so it tops up the 12V battery, ensure the truck fully sleeps, and update software. Persistently weak batteries are replaced under warranty; many owners add a battery tender. Some cases resolved by a BCM/12V-management software update at the dealer.
Sources for this issue (1)
A recurring owner complaint on newer Broncos is unexpected battery discharge after sitting, sometimes leading to a no-start condition, multiple warning messages, or modules behaving erratically. Reports often mention the vehicle being parked for only a few days before the battery is too weak to crank, with some cases linked to software/module sleep issues or accessory loads. The problem is documented in owner forums and complaint databases, though root causes can vary by vehicle.
Common Symptoms
- Dead battery after sitting
- No-start or slow crank
- Multiple warning lights on startup
- Remote functions inoperative
- Infotainment glitches after low voltage
How to Fix
Load-test the battery first, then check charging system output and perform a parasitic draw test after all modules should be asleep. Verify BCM/APIM/FDRS software is current and inspect aftermarket accessories, dash cams, and poorly wired add-ons. In some cases, replacing a weak factory battery and updating modules resolves repeat no-start events.
What you need to diagnose it
The fix here starts with a test, not a part — which repair you need depends on what the test finds.At least one code uses a manufacturer-specific format. No scanner recommendation is shown because family-level coverage cannot prove it can read that code.
UNI-T UT210E Low-Current DC Clamp Meter
1 mA resolution on the 2 A range — a 0.1 A meter reads a 50 mA drain as zero
$40–$70View
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Testing and isolating the fault is DIY work. Replacing or reprogramming a control module is not — most are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.
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 Ford?
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 Ford it is documented across 8 models: Bronco Sport, Taurus, Escort, F-150, F-150 Lightning, Bronco, Contour, Transit.
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 Ford?
Published repair estimates on Ford range from $150 to $1,000 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.