HomeTrouble CodesP0563

P0563 — System Voltage High

Generic OBD-II · all makesPowertrain (engine & transmission)

P0563 means the powertrain control module (PCM) has seen charging-system voltage above its calibrated high limit for longer than a set period. It usually points to an overcharging condition, or to a wiring/sensing issue that makes the PCM read voltage as higher than it really is.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty alternator or voltage regulator

An internally failed regulator can command the alternator to keep output too high, pushing system voltage above the PCM threshold.

2. Defective battery

A shorted, sulfated, or severely aged battery can cause the charging system to overcompensate and raise system voltage.

3. Charging circuit wiring or ground faults

Corroded, loose, or high-resistance connections in the B+ cable, alternator output path, or grounds can make the PCM sense an incorrectly high voltage.

4. Incorrect or modified charging components

Non-factory alternators, high-output aftermarket units, or improper wiring modifications can produce voltage above the PCM's expected range.

5. PCM voltage-sensing circuit failure

Rarely, the PCM's internal A/D converter or voltage-sense input can fail and report a falsely high value after all actual charging-system tests are normal.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Measure actual battery voltage at the terminals with the engine running at idle and at about 2,500 rpm, then compare it to the PCM voltage shown on a scan tool.
  2. Inspect the battery, cable terminals, fusible links, and chassis/engine grounds for corrosion, looseness, or damage.
  3. Test alternator output and regulator response under load; verify it does not exceed the vehicle's specified charging voltage.
  4. Load-test the battery and check for shorted or sulfated cells that could drive overcharging.
  5. Look for non-factory wiring, high-output alternators, or accessories that could alter charging behavior.
  6. If real system voltage is normal but the PCM still reports high, inspect the voltage-sense circuit and consider PCM failure only after all mechanical and wiring causes are ruled out.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Is it safe to drive with P0563?

No. Sustained overcharging can overheat and ruin the battery and damage sensitive electronics, so the cause should be diagnosed promptly.

Will I need a new alternator?

Often yes if the alternator's regulator is overcharging, but a failing battery or poor wiring can also produce the same code, so testing should be done before replacing parts.

Can a bad battery cause P0563?

Yes. A shorted or sulfated cell can make the charging system work harder and raise system voltage enough to set the code.

Is the PCM usually at fault for this code?

No. PCM failure is uncommon for P0563; most cases are caused by the alternator, battery, or charging-circuit wiring. The PCM should be suspected only after actual voltage and wiring have been verified as normal.