P0515

Universal

Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit

Definition source: General OBD-II reference catalog
Definition verification: Not independently verified for display.
Time: Varies by diagnosis and vehicle | Diagnostic difficulty: Medium
Medium Severity

The battery temperature sensor reports battery temperature to the vehicle’s control system. This code means the system detected a problem in the sensor circuit, but it does not prove the sensor itself has failed. Depending on the vehicle, the temperature reading may help regulate battery charging. Exact operation and applicability depend on the model, year and engine.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If the battery or charging-system warning light is on, electrical functions are failing, or the engine is stalling, stop somewhere safe and seek assistance; the vehicle may not continue running reliably. Avoid touching damaged battery wiring or terminals, and keep tools clear of battery terminals to prevent short circuits.

Common Symptoms

  • There may be no noticeable symptoms if the control system can continue operating without the temperature signal.
  • A battery or charging-system warning may appear if the vehicle detects a related charging-control issue.
  • Charging behavior may be affected if the vehicle uses battery temperature to adjust charging; the exact effect varies by vehicle.
  • A faulty temperature reading may cause the control system to respond to an incorrect estimate of battery temperature.

Common Causes

  • A damaged or deteriorated battery temperature sensor or its wiring.
  • A loose, corroded, contaminated or damaged electrical connector.
  • A wiring fault that disrupts the sensor circuit.
  • A problem in the control system or its circuit connections.
  • The code may be intermittent, so the cause may not be apparent during a basic visual check.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Check the owner’s manual for the meaning of any battery or charging-system warning lights, and note when the code or symptoms occur.
  2. With the vehicle off, visually inspect accessible battery-area wiring and connectors for looseness, corrosion or visible damage; do not pull on wires or bridge terminals.
  3. Check whether other diagnostic codes are present and record them before clearing anything, since related codes can help narrow the diagnosis.
  4. If a scan tool provides battery-temperature data, note whether the reading appears plausible for the vehicle’s conditions; do not assume a specific expected value without vehicle-specific information.
  5. If wiring is damaged, the battery area is unsafe to access, or the code returns, have a qualified technician test the circuit using service information for the exact vehicle.

When to Call a Professional

Check for related codes and review battery-temperature data with a scan tool, if available. A technician can compare the reading with conditions at the vehicle, inspect the circuit and connectors, and test the wiring and sensor using model-specific service information before deciding whether any part needs replacement.

Compare component listings

Confirm diagnosis and vehicle fitment before buying. A listing does not prove that a part needs replacement. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Search Amazon Search eBay

Commonly Asked Questions

Does P0515 prove the battery temperature sensor needs replacement?

No. The code identifies a detected circuit problem. Wiring, connectors or control-system connections may also be involved, so diagnosis should come before replacing a part.

Can I drive with P0515?

If the vehicle runs normally and there are no battery or charging warnings, the code alone does not establish that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. If charging warnings, electrical problems or stalling occur, stop safely and seek assistance.

Can P0515 cause a charging problem?

It may affect charging control on vehicles that use battery temperature in their charging strategy. The effect varies by vehicle, and the code alone does not confirm that charging is faulty.

How is the circuit checked?

A technician can review related codes and scan data, inspect the connectors and wiring, and test the sensor circuit according to vehicle-specific service information.

Browse Available Code Guides

Previous and next available guides in database record order, across makes. Adjacent entries may share a code number and do not necessarily describe related faults.