P0563: System Voltage High
Can you still drive? No, stop driving as soon as it is safe. High voltage can boil battery acid, damage electronic modules, and blow fuses. Have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.
What Does P0563 Mean?
Code P0563 indicates that the system voltage has exceeded the maximum acceptable threshold, typically above 16 volts. Overcharging is usually caused by a failed voltage regulator allowing the alternator to produce excessive voltage. Sustained high voltage can damage the battery and electronic components throughout the vehicle.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonCommon Causes
- Failed voltage regulator
- Faulty alternator with internal regulator failure
- Poor ground connections causing voltage feedback
- Defective external voltage regulator
- PCM voltage regulation fault on electronically controlled alternators
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Battery warning light on
- Headlights excessively bright
- Burning smell from battery area
- Electrical components failing prematurely
- Battery swelling or leaking
Diagnostic Steps
- 1Measure system voltage at battery with engine running
- 2If voltage exceeds 15.5V, turn off vehicle immediately to prevent damage
- 3Test alternator voltage regulator output
- 4Inspect ground connections at engine, battery, and body
- 5Check for PCM control issues on vehicles with electronically regulated alternators
- 6Inspect battery for swelling or damage from overcharging
Recommended Parts & Tools
Estimated Repair Cost
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Cost Range | $100 - $700 |
| Parts Only (DIY) | $200 - $600 |
| Labor (1-3 hrs @ $100/hr) | $100 - $300 |
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Chat with AI About P0563Commonly Affected Vehicles
Related Recalls
1 Active Recall — 2026 Ford F-150
The following NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for this vehicle. Contact your dealer to check if your vehicle is affected.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high voltage damage my battery?
Yes, sustained overcharging causes the battery to overheat, boil off electrolyte, swell, and potentially leak acid. A damaged battery must be replaced.
Is P0563 dangerous?
Yes, overcharging can cause battery failure, damage to expensive electronic modules, and in extreme cases battery off-gassing which is a fire risk. Address this immediately.
Community Fix Reports
Community reports are user-submitted and not verified by Auto AI Buddy. Results may vary.
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