P0560 - OBD Trouble Code

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The P0560 error code in vehicles related to the system voltage malfunction. This sets in when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a deviant voltage reading from the car battery, starting or changing systems.

A vehicle's PCM is the control unit of the engine. The OBD Code P0560 is set and recorded when the PCM detects voltage readings that are higher or lower than the required normal.

What causes this problem with the System Voltage Malfunction?

• Unusually high resistance in the cable connecting the alternator and the automotive battery
• Unusually high resistance or open circuit found between the control module and the alternator
• A faulty alternator
• PCM that has failed

1. ECM - Engine Control Module is the brain of your vehicle, repair or replace it as needed.
2. PCM - Powertrain Control Module is the control unit that enables your vehicle to function. Replace it with the best quality available at Parts Avatar.
3. Alternator - Could be the core of your vehicle error, check if it can be repaired, otherwise purchase stress-free from Parts Avatar online.
4. Malfunction Indicator Lamp - Abbreviated at MIL will be the first indicator of problem in your vehicle.
5. Battery - An automotive has rechargeable batteries, if yours is faulty, it’s better to replace it with a new battery. Parts Avatar has a wide range of car batteries that are compatible with a plethora of car models.
6. Transmission Parts - A significant part of your vehicle's transmission system, it needs to be in good working condition. Purchase online, and get free shipping over orders worth CAD $99 on Parts Avatar.
7. Engine Parts - The heart of your vehicle, repair it first and check its performance, otherwise order any engine part hassle free from Parts Avatar, we ship all across Canada.
8. Charging System - Consists of an alternator, regulator (typically mounted inside the alternator) and the interconnecting wiring. Any part of your charging system can cause OBD error P0560. Try to repair it, otherwise replace confidently with assured quality at Parts Avatar Canada online.
9. Electrical System - Containing the battery, starter and alternator; it is the backbone of your vehicle. You can find the whole system or parts of it compatible with your specific vehicle at Parts Avatar.
10. Wiring - These color-coded wires have to be in good condition to do their job. Repairing isn’t as effective if the damage is extensive. Purchase them easily at Parts Avatar, simply order online and have them delivered at your doorstep.
11. Cable - We offer the best quality cables for your Autoparts. Don’t worry and order online at Parts Avatar.
12. Connector - Poor quality or damaged connectors can cause diagnostic confusions. Buy new ones easily on the Parts Avatar website and be stress-free.

We at Parts Avatar, Canada care for our customers, and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P0560 code by listing out some major symptoms. They are mentioned below:

Common Symptoms

• The check engine light is turned on
• Battery light shows on
• Noticeable stalling of engine on vehicle idle mode
• Consistent problems with transmission shifting (with automatic models)
• Decrease in the fuel efficiency of your vehicle

Below are some ways by which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P0560:

• Replace battery
• Replace the alternator
• Repair the wiring, connector and cable

However, if you continue to face any issue then we stock a wide range of best priced ECM, PCM, Alternator, Control, Module, Malfunction, Indicator Light, Battery, Transmission, Engine, Charging System, Electrical System, Wiring, Cable, Connector and more to help you out in fixing your car.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

• Check your vehicles Technical Service Bulletin, wherein you can find manufacturers advice on solving the problem. This will save you precious time during the diagnosis.
• Most common cause noted for the OBD Code P0560 is a low battery voltage or a battery that was disconnected or a malfunction of the charging system.
• The alternator belt is usually overlooked in checking a vehicle, you can start by checking the charging system. Just start your vehicle, turn on the headlights and blower fan to high speed. This will help load the electrical system.
• Now use the Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM) to check if the voltage of the battery is between 13.2 and 14.7 volts. This range is very important to remember when looking for performance of your vehicle.
• Your alternator is at fault if the voltage is below 12 volts or above 15.5 volts. You can diagnose the charging system now, but the focus is the alternator. To be sure, you can also have the battery, starting and charging system tested once by any local mechanic or even auto parts store. You can avail this service for a small amount if not free. They will provide you with a printout of the test results.
• Upon checking from a mechanic, if the voltage was correct use a scan tool and clear all the trouble codes from the memory and see if the code returns. If it doesn’t appear, it probably was intermittent or is a history/ memory code. No more diagnosis will be required hence. However, if the error code P0560 returns, you will have to locate the PCM of your vehicle and continue diagnosis.
• Inspect the wiring and connectors of the PCM visually, note any scraping, rubbing, burn spots, bare wires or melted plastic. All of these may have to be repaired or replaced if they’re not in a good condition. Now, pull all the connectors apart, and start inspecting the terminals or the metal parts that are inside the connectors. Again note if they look damaged in anyway, burned or even a green tint. The green tint is a sign of corrosion. Once you have located any such features of them, use a contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush to clean the terminals. After they have dried, apply electrical grease where the terminals contact.
• Once again clear all the diagnostic trouble codes from the cars memory using the same scan took. Observe if the code returns, if it doesn’t then it may have the connectors causing it. If the code does return, proceed to check the voltages of the Powertrain Control Module.
• Start off by disconnecting the negative battery cable at the battery, then disconnect the harness that goes to the PCM. Now, reconnect the battery cable, turn on ignition and with the help of a DVOM check the feed circuit of the PCM (black lead to a good ground and the red lead to the PCM ignition feed circuit).
• If you find less battery volts on the circuit, you will have to repair the wiring going from the PCM to the ignition. But if that’s normal then you will have to ensure a good ground at the PCM.
• You can now connect a test light to 12V battery positive i.e. red terminal and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit which is going to the PCM ignition feed circuit ground. Check if the test light lights up or not. If it doesn’t then the problem is with the circuit, however if it does light up, simply wiggle the wiring harness leading up to the PCM to see if it flickers. A flickering light is indicative of an intermittent connection.
• If you continue to get the P0560 error even after all prior tests have passed, then it’s mostly that the PCM has failed. This is a very rare case in this type of OBD code, and if you’re unsure feel free to take assistance from a qualified automotive diagnostician. The PCM has to be programmed or calibrated to your vehicle for it to be installed properly.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0560 Code

Over the years, mechanics have repeatedly reported that the customers have wrongly replaced their vehicle’s batteries or starting or charging systems when they come across the P0560 trouble code. The real source of this code is a faulty alternator, which may be having an issue with charging and hence should be the first part to be inspected. A qualified mechanic will know this when encountering this engine error code.