System voltage low on Ford — almost always a failing alternator, weak battery or corroded earth strap on EcoBoost/TDCi models.
Ford P0562 — System voltage low on Ford — almost always a failing alternator, weak battery or corroded earth strap on EcoBoost/TDCi models. Typical UK independent garage cost: £120–£520.
What actually causes P0562 on a Ford
Ford alternators (Visteon/Denso) typically fail around 100k–140k miles — the regulator goes first and voltage drops to 12.0V at idle, P0562 stores. On stop-start equipped 1.0 EcoBoost the AGM battery degrades quickly (often by 60k miles) and the smart charging system can't keep voltage above the threshold. On Transits the engine-to-body earth strap corrodes and causes intermittent low voltage.
Ford engines that log P0562
- 1.0/1.5/1.6 EcoBoost (Fiesta, Focus, Kuga)
- 1.6/2.0 TDCi (Mondeo, Transit, Focus)
- 2.2 TDCi Transit
How we diagnose P0562 on a Ford
- Measure battery voltage at rest (should be 12.6V+) and at idle (should be 13.8–14.4V)
- Carry out an alternator output test (should give 60–80A at idle with electrical load)
- Inspect engine-to-body earth strap for corrosion
- For stop-start cars, code the new battery to the BMS using FORScan or IDS
- Check for parasitic drain if voltage drops overnight
The common misdiagnosis to avoid
Replacing a battery without load-testing the alternator wastes the customer's money — a weak alternator will kill the new battery in months. Always test both.
Ford P0562 repair cost in the UK
Expect £120–£520 including parts and labour at an independent garage. Main-dealer quotes on Ford are usually higher for the same job, and the spread exists because the cheap cause and the expensive cause throw the same code — pay for the diagnosis before you pay for parts.
Bob's workshop tip
For stop-start equipped Fords (Fiesta/Focus 1.0 EcoBoost), always fit a genuine AGM battery — fitting a cheap flooded one causes stop-start to disable and P0562 to return within a fortnight.
Codes usually seen alongside P0562 on Ford
- P0563
- P0620
- P0625
Symptoms drivers report with P0562
- Battery warning light flickers intermittently, especially at idle with electrical load on
- Dashboard dims when indicators are on or wipers run
- Car fails to start cold after sitting for 2–3 days
- Stop-start system disables itself with a 'battery saver active' message
- Voltmeter reads below 13.2V with engine running
Repairs that clear P0562
- Load-test battery
- Alternator output test
- Clean and torque earths
For the generic, all-makes explanation of this code — meaning, every known cause and UK cost bands — see our P0562 guide.