Harley-Davidson P0562 — System Voltage Low

What it means

Harley-Davidson P0562 means system voltage dropped below 9.5V — the ECM detected a low voltage condition.
The most common cause is a weak or failing battery, but a faulty alternator (compensator) or charging system fault can also trigger P0562.

Affected Models

Harley-Davidson Touring
Harley-Davidson Softail
Harley-Davidson Dyna
Harley-Davidson Sportster
Harley-Davidson CVO

Common Causes

Old or sulfated battery unable to hold charge
Faulty compensator (alternator) not charging the battery while riding
Loose or corroded battery terminals causing voltage drop
Parasitic draw draining the battery when the bike is parked
Regulator/rectifier failure preventing proper charging

How to Fix It

Test the battery voltage.

Use a multimeter to check battery voltage with the engine off.
A fully charged 12V battery should read 12.6–12.8V.
Below 12.0V means the battery is weak or discharged.
Below 11.5V means the battery has likely failed.
Check battery terminals for corrosion.

White or greenish corrosion on the battery terminals causes voltage drop.
Disconnect the terminals, clean with a wire brush or terminal cleaner spray, and reconnect firmly.
Test charging voltage while running.

With the engine running at 2,000 RPM, the battery should read 13.8–14.8V.
Below 13.5V while running indicates the charging system (compensator and regulator/rectifier) is not charging properly.
Clear the code and test ride.

After fixing the battery or charging system issue, clear P0562 using the Harley-Davidson self-diagnostics (ignition key switch method) or a HDLAN-compatible scan tool.
Ride for 20–30 minutes and check if P0562 returns.

When to Call a Professional

If the battery and terminals are good but P0562 returns while riding, the compensator or regulator/rectifier has failed.
A Harley dealer or independent motorcycle technician can perform a charging system load test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Harley-Davidson shows P0562 but the bike starts and runs fine — should I be concerned?

P0562 stored without current symptoms means the voltage dipped below threshold at some point — often during slow city riding with accessories on, or during a cold start on a aging battery. Have the battery tested under load — it may be marginal and failing slowly.

Can I clear Harley fault codes without a scan tool?

Yes — Harley-Davidson has a built-in diagnostic mode accessible via the ignition switch. The procedure varies by model year. On most bikes: turn ignition to ON (not start), hold the trip odometer button, then follow the display prompts. Consult your owner's manual for the exact steps for your model.