Error Code P0561: What It Means & What To Do?

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Even when a vehicle is off, the battery continues to supply electricity to the ECM. The ECM uses this power to store various data like code histories, fuel trim values etc. When the battery voltage due to any reason falls below a specific level, the ECM automatically assumes a fault in the power supply circuit. This will alert the PCM to store the error code P0561.

To put it simply, the OBD code P0561 is set by the PCM when it detects an abnormal voltage reading from the battery, starting system or the charging system.

What causes this problem with the System Voltage Unstable?

• Alternator drive belt is loose
• Fault in the alternator
• Voltage circuit is shorted or opened
• Fault in the starter
• Battery cables show shorted or opened sites
• Defect in the voltage regulator
• Battery terminal ends are damaged or corroded
• Battery drain caused by some other malfunctioning system
• Fault in the PCM (extremely rare)

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3. Alternator - Mostly the main culprit of the error, try to repair it. If you have to replace it, order on Parts Avatar and avail free shipping on order over CAD $99.
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5. Malfunction Indicator Light - MIL shows if there’s an engine malfunction, if it’s not working properly try repairing it.
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If you are facing OBD error code P0561, then there are some of the most common symptoms that you may observe in your vehicle. We have worked out a list here to help you out in understanding this problem better.

Common Symptoms

Below are some of the most common symptoms you may notice:

• The Malfunction Indicator Light is on
• The Red battery light is On
• No shift in the transmission
• Engine doesn’t start, and if it does, it stalls out and dies
• Low fuel economy

Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P0561:

• Replacement of the car battery
• Replacement of the alternator

To do all this, you should only opt for high quality auto parts such as ECM, PCM, Alternator, Control, Module, Malfunction, Indicator, Light, Battery, Transmission, Engine, Charging System, Electrical System, Wiring, Cable, Connector and so on. From where will you get them? From your local store? Well, why go there when you can order quality parts with us while sitting in the comfort of your home. So, just browse through our website and order your needed parts today.

It is important to diagnose this fault code to be able to correct it properly. Here are some steps which should be followed for diagnosing:

• Start off with getting a hold of the TSB of the vehicle. The manufacturer may give insightful ways to resolve the issue.
• The most common cause noted for the OBD code P0561 is low battery voltage or a battery that was disconnected, or a charging system that has malfunctioned (fault in the alternator). The alternator belt is often overlooked, so to avoid that first check the charging system thoroughly.
• Start your vehicle, turn on the headlights and fan blower to high speed, this will load the electrical system fully. Now, using a DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm Meter) proceed to checking the voltage of the car battery. It should be within the range of 13.2V and 14.7 V. If you find that the voltage is much below 12V or above 15.5 V, you can successfully diagnose the charging system as the culprit, the emphasis is going to be the alternator.
• If you’re still unsure, you can take the battery to a local parts store or mechanic shop to have it tested by the professionals. They will do it for a nominal charge and you will know for sure what the problem is, they will also give you a print of the test results.
• The voltage may be correct, and in that case, you will have to use a scan tool to clear the trouble codes from the memory and wait to see if the P0561 code returns. If it doesn’t, it could be because this code is intermittent or is from the history of codes stored in the memory. You no longer need to diagnose anything. But if the code returns, you will have to then locate the PCM on your vehicle and inspect the connectors and wiring. You are mainly looking for any damages like rubbing, scraping, bare wires, burn spots or even melted plastic. Any of these could be a contributing cause to poor functioning of the PCM, hence causing the error.
• Pull all the connectors apart carefully, and inspect the metal parts/terminals inside these connectors. Observe close for any burs or green tint. The green tint is associated with corrosion, so you will need to clean them with an electrical contact cleaner and plastic bristle brush. Wait for them to dry before applying electrical grease where the terminals contact.
• The next step is to clear all the diagnostic codes from the memory, use the scan tool for this, and wait to see if the code returns. If it doesn’t return, then you can safely conclude the connections as the problem. If you notice that the code returns, you will then have to check the voltages of the PCM.
• To do this, firstly disconnect the negative battery cable at the car automotive battery. Then, disconnect the harness going up to the PCM, reconnect the battery cable, turn on the ignition switch. Use the DVOM to test the PCM ignition feed circuit (black lead to a good ground and red lead to the PCM ignition feed circuit). If you notice less than battery volts on this circuit, you will have to repair the wiring from the PCM to the ignition switch. If that looks fine, then check and ensure you have a good ground at the PCM.
• Connect a test light of 12V battery positive/red terminal and touch the other end of the light to the ground circuit going up to the PCM ignition feed circuit ground. If the test light doesn’t light, this is indicative of a problem with the circuit, if it lights up, wiggle the harness going to the PCM to see if there’s any flickering of the light. The flickering will confirm an intermittent connection.
• If all the previously done tests have passed and you still get the error code, then it may be a failed PCM causing the problem. If you’re still unsure, take assistance from a professional automotive diagnostician. The PCM will have to be programmed, or calibrated to your vehicle, so that it is installed correctly.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0561 Code

The most common mistake made during the diagnostic process is to extensively focus on the battery and starter, when most of the time the alternator is the culprit. It is fruitful to check if the alternator is charging properly and if the vehicle charging system too is operating efficiently.

Ensure that the error code P0561 is cleared from the PCM after each repair is done and then re-test the system. The mechanic will only be able to come closer to the root cause of the problem with each clearance and re-test.