Charging voltage too high.
P0563 — also written PO563, P 0563, 0563 — is the OBD-II code for system voltage high. Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
This is your alternator's internal brain going haywire and trying to cook your battery and electronics. I see this most often on high-mileage Transit vans or older Vauxhalls where the regulator just gives up the ghost.
P0563 is a electrical fault code, typically costing £200–£600 to put right in a UK garage.
What P0563 actually feels like to drive
- Headlights getting noticeably brighter when you rev the engine.
- A 'rotten egg' sulfur smell coming from under the bonnet (battery boiling).
- Multiple dash lights flashing up like a Christmas tree (ABS, Airbag, Power Steering).
- The stop/start system stops working entirely.
- Radio or infotainment screen flickering or cutting out randomly.
What causes P0563?
- Failed alternator regulator
- Wiring fault
UK vehicles that throw P0563 most often
- Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi (Puma) 2011-2016
- Vauxhall Astra J 1.7 CDTi (A17DTR) 2009-2015
- BMW 3 Series (E90) 2.0d N47 2007-2013
- Mini Cooper 1.6 (R56) 2006-2013
- Volkswagen Golf MK6 1.6 TDI (CAYC) 2009-2013
How P0563 is fixed
- Alternator replacement
The P0563 misdiagnosis that wastes money
I’ve seen plenty of DIYers and even some 'parts-cannon' garages immediately swap out the battery because it’s bloated or stinking of rotten eggs. That’s an expensive mistake—the battery is just the victim here, being cooked by an alternator that’s spiking at 16 or 17 volts. We also see people slapping on a cheap, unbranded alternator from an auction site, only for the smart-charge system on a Ford or BMW to reject it and trigger the light again within a week. Always check the regulator first before binning a high-end unit.
What a UK garage should charge for P0563
A decent Bosch or Denso alternator for a standard hatch will set you back £180–£320 from a factor like Euro Car Parts or GSF. Labour usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, so at a local indie garage like mine, you're looking at £350–£450 all-in. If you go to a main dealer, expect that to climb to £700+ easily. If the high voltage has already cooked your battery, tack on another £110 for a decent Yuasa or Varta unit. Trust me, don't buy a ‘budget’ alternator—they rarely last the winter.
P0563 repair cost in the UK
Most P0563 repairs land between £200–£600 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P0563
If your garage says you need a new alternator, ask them: "Have you checked the 'Smart Charge' signal wires for a short to power?" On modern UK stuff, the ECU tells the alternator how hard to work. If that wire rubs through against the block, it can pin the output to max. Also, don't let them just clear the code; high voltage kills expensive modules like your HID ballasts or even the ABS pump. If you see your headlights getting brighter when you rev it, park the car and get a recovery truck—it’s cheaper than replacing a fried ECU.
Can you drive with P0563?
Drivable but risk of electrical damage.
Urgency: medium.