Error code · Engine

P0561 — System Voltage Unstable

Don’t put off the repair

A fault code doesn’t yet mean the unit or sensor itself is faulty: often it’s the plug and connector leading to it.

Possible causes

What you can do yourself

  1. Check that the battery terminals and the body and engine grounds are tight.
  2. Check the voltage on the “Sensors” tab: with the engine running it should stay steady at 13.5–14.8 V.

Stop and don’t drive on if:

  • The Check Engine light is flashing
  • The temperature gauge is in the red or the overheating light is on
  • The red oil pressure light is on
  • Smoke from under the bonnet, a burning or petrol smell
  • Strong jerking, knocking from the engine, or the car barely moves

On Oleg’s website:Car wiring repair ↗

The explanation comes from the error code reference in the AvtoElektrik PRO app.

Need a mechanic’s help?

Couldn’t fix it yourself? Oleg, an auto electrician, does computer diagnostics and repairs: he comes out anywhere in Almaty or sees you at his workshop.

Want to figure it out yourself?

Oleg’s course “Car computer diagnostics with a scan tool”: how to hook up a scanner, read codes and live data, and use them to find the cause. The first lessons are free.

Scan tool diagnostics course →

Nearby codes

All codes in P05xx →

Who keeps this reference

The reference is kept by Oleg Dmitriev, an auto electrician from Almaty with 26 years of experience: computer diagnostics of cars and trucks, repair of control units (ECUs). Can’t find the cause? Message him.