P0517
UniversalBattery Temperature Sensor Circuit High
The engine or battery control system has detected a higher-than-expected electrical signal in the battery temperature sensor circuit. This does not necessarily mean the battery itself is too hot or that the sensor must be replaced. The temperature reading can help the vehicle adjust charging, so an incorrect reading may affect charging behavior.
⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)
If the battery is swollen, unusually hot, leaking, smoking, or giving off a strong odor, stop driving when safe and have it checked. Avoid sparks and shorting battery connections; batteries can cause burns or fires. Use vehicle-specific service information before testing electrical circuits.
Common Symptoms
- There may be no noticeable symptoms if the fault does not significantly affect charging control.
- The battery warning light or a charging-system message may appear, depending on the vehicle.
- Charging behavior may be affected if the control system receives an inaccurate battery temperature reading.
- The battery may become undercharged or overcharged if charging control is affected; the code alone does not establish that either condition is occurring.
Common Causes
- A damaged, disconnected, corroded, or poorly connected sensor-circuit connector may interfere with the signal.
- Wiring damage or an unintended open or short in the circuit may cause the signal to read high.
- The battery temperature sensor may be faulty, but testing is needed to confirm this.
- A fault in circuit power, ground, or the control module may contribute to the reading; vehicle-specific testing is needed to distinguish these possibilities.
Diagnostic Steps
- Check the owner’s manual for battery-related warnings and avoid driving if the battery is hot, swollen, leaking, smoking, or producing a strong odor.
- With the vehicle off, visually inspect accessible battery-area wiring and connectors for looseness, corrosion, abrasion, or obvious damage. Do not bridge terminals or probe unfamiliar connectors.
- If a scan tool is available, note the battery temperature reading and compare it with the vehicle’s conditions; an implausible reading can help guide diagnosis but does not identify the failed part by itself.
- Have the circuit tested using the correct wiring diagram and vehicle-specific procedure if the visual checks do not reveal the issue or electrical testing is needed.
When to Call a Professional
Check scan data for the reported battery temperature and compare it with conditions at the vehicle, allowing for normal differences. Inspect the sensor circuit, connectors, wiring, power and ground as applicable using the model-specific wiring diagram and test procedures. Confirm the charging system is operating as intended before replacing parts; the code alone does not prove the sensor has failed.
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Commonly Asked Questions
Does P0517 mean the battery is too hot?
Not necessarily. It identifies a high electrical signal in the battery temperature sensor circuit, not proof that the battery temperature itself is high.
Does this code prove the temperature sensor needs replacement?
No. A connector, wiring, power or ground issue, or another circuit fault can also cause a high signal. Diagnosis should identify the cause before parts are replaced.
Can I keep driving with P0517?
If the vehicle operates normally and the battery shows no signs of heat, swelling, leakage, smoke, or strong odor, the code alone does not establish an immediate stop-driving condition. Seek prompt diagnosis, and stop when safe if battery or charging warnings or concerning battery symptoms occur.
Why does the vehicle monitor battery temperature?
Battery temperature information can help the vehicle manage charging. An incorrect signal may affect that control, although the actual effect depends on the vehicle.
Related Diagnostic Video
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