P0516

Universal

Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

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 engine or battery-control computer has detected a low electrical signal in the battery temperature sensor circuit. This sensor helps the vehicle account for battery temperature when managing charging. A circuit fault may affect charging control, but the code alone does not prove the sensor itself is faulty.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If the battery warning light is on, the vehicle has trouble starting, or electrical systems behave unusually, arrange prompt diagnosis and avoid unnecessary driving. Stop somewhere safe if the vehicle stalls or you notice smoke, a burning smell, or a hot or damaged battery. Keep tools clear of battery terminals and follow the vehicle’s safety instructions; battery testing or wiring work may be best left to a qualified technician.

Common Symptoms

  • There may be no noticeable symptoms, especially if the vehicle’s charging system continues to operate normally.
  • A battery or charging-system warning may appear if the fault affects charging management.
  • Starting trouble or reduced battery performance may occur if charging is not being managed appropriately.
  • Other electrical-system warnings or unusual charging behavior may be present, depending on the vehicle.

Common Causes

  • A faulty battery temperature sensor may produce a signal that is too low.
  • Damaged, corroded, loose, or contaminated sensor-circuit wiring or connectors may pull the signal low.
  • A short to ground or another circuit fault may cause the low reading.
  • A problem with the circuit’s power, ground, or control module may affect the signal.
  • A weak or damaged battery may be present at the same time and should be assessed separately.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Check the owner’s manual for the meaning of any battery or charging warning and note when it appears; this helps describe the fault accurately.
  2. With the vehicle off, visually inspect accessible battery terminals and sensor-related connectors for looseness, corrosion, or visible damage. Do not touch exposed wiring if it is damaged or hot.
  3. Check whether the battery is secure and free of visible cracks, leaks, or swelling. Do not handle a damaged battery; seek qualified help.
  4. If a suitable scan tool is available, record the code and related charging-system information before clearing anything. Avoid replacing parts based on the code alone.
  5. If the code returns or a warning remains, have the sensor circuit and charging system tested using vehicle-specific service information.

When to Call a Professional

Use model-specific service information to check the battery-temperature reading in scan data and compare it with plausible conditions. Inspect the sensor circuit, connectors, wiring, and grounds, then test the sensor and circuit using the vehicle’s wiring diagram and approved procedures. Check battery condition and charging operation before deciding which part, if any, 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 P0516 prove the battery temperature sensor is bad?

No. It identifies a low signal in the sensor circuit. The sensor, wiring, connectors, grounds, or control circuitry may be responsible, so testing is needed before replacing a part.

What does the battery temperature sensor do?

It provides temperature information that the vehicle can use when managing battery charging. The exact control strategy depends on the vehicle.

Can I keep driving with P0516?

Whether driving is appropriate depends on symptoms and warning lights. If the vehicle starts and operates normally, arrange diagnosis soon; stop safely and seek assistance if it stalls, shows serious electrical problems, or the battery appears damaged.

Could a weak battery cause this code?

A weak battery can coexist with the code, but it does not by itself establish why the sensor-circuit signal is low. Check battery condition and the circuit separately.

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.