The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2018 Charger R/T Battery Draining Overnight - P0562 Code

0

Jason D. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:43 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Dodge Charger R/T

Hey everyone,

I'm having a persistent issue with my 2018 Dodge Charger R/T. The battery keeps draining overnight, sometimes even within a few hours if I leave it parked. I've had to jump-start it multiple times this week.

I already replaced the battery about a month ago, thinking that was the problem, but the issue persists. I also had the alternator tested at AutoZone, and they said it's charging correctly. When I scanned it with my OBD-II reader, I got a P0562 code, which points to 'System Voltage Low'.

Could this be a parasitic draw? Or is there something else specific to these Chargers that I should be looking for? It's really frustrating, especially since the car runs perfectly fine once it's started. Any advice on how to track this down would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:43 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

The P0562 code (System Voltage Low) on your 2018 Dodge Charger R/T, combined with a rapidly draining battery, strongly suggests a parasitic draw or an intermittent charging system fault that wasn't caught during a quick test. A parasitic draw means something in your vehicle is continuously drawing power even when the car is off.

Here's how to approach diagnosing this problem:

  1. Confirm Parasitic Draw:

    • Ensure all doors, trunk, and hood are closed, and all accessories (lights, radio) are off. Wait at least 15-30 minutes for all modules to 'go to sleep'.
    • Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the disconnected negative battery cable. Set the multimeter to measure amperage (mA or A). A normal draw should be around 20-50 mA (0.02-0.05 Amps). Anything significantly higher indicates a draw.

  2. Identify the Circuit:

    • Once you've confirmed a high draw, start pulling fuses one by one from the fuse box (both under the hood and inside the cabin), while watching the multimeter. When the amperage drops significantly, you've found the circuit causing the draw.
    • Common culprits for parasitic draws in Dodge vehicles can include the Uconnect infotainment system, glove box lights, trunk lights, aftermarket accessories (remote start, alarm systems), or even a faulty body control module (BCM).

  3. Investigate the P0562 Code:

    • While often a symptom of low voltage from a drain, P0562 can also point to issues with the voltage regulator (often integrated into the alternator) or wiring. Since your alternator tested 'good', it might be an intermittent fault or the test didn't fully load it.
    • Check all battery terminals and ground connections for corrosion or looseness. A poor connection can cause voltage drops.

When to See a Shop:

If you're uncomfortable performing electrical diagnostics, or if you've identified a circuit but can't pinpoint the specific component (e.g., the 'radio' fuse reduces the draw, but you don't know if it's the head unit or an amplifier), it's best to take your Charger to a qualified automotive electrical specialist. They have advanced diagnostic tools to isolate the exact component causing the draw and can properly diagnose complex module issues that might be contributing to the P0562 code.

Menu

Help & account