Powertrain, generic · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

P0516 Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

The battery temperature sensor – usually an NTC in the battery tray or inside an intelligent battery sensor on the negative terminal – lets the module adjust the charging voltage (higher when cold, lower when warm) and supports battery management and start-stop. P0516 means the signal voltage stays below its limit for a minimum time; with an NTC in a voltage divider a low voltage means very hot, or more often a signal line shorted to ground or an internal short. The module then assumes a hot battery and may charge too little. No manufacturer document available to us names this code; the description follows CARB's input component rules. A fixed substitute temperature is then used.

Likely causes

Signal line shorted to ground (chafed at the battery tray)
Sensor shorted internally
Moisture or acid in the connector
Module

Symptoms

  • Possibly check engine light
  • Charging voltage too low
  • Battery weak, starting problems in the cold

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€20–150
Time0.3–1 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

battery temperature sensorsensor wiringengine control module

Related codes

P0514P0515P0517P0562

References: law.cornell.edu, en.wikipedia.org.