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DTC codes / P05xx · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs / P0514

P0514Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

P0514 means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected that the battery temperature sensor circuit is reporting a value outside the expected range or behaving erratically, even though the sensor is still electrically connected. The PCM compares the sensor signal against known limits and other temperature inputs, and when the voltage stays too high, too low, or changes too abruptly for too long, it logs this range/performance fault.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityLow
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms.
  • Slightly reduced fuel economy or altered charging strategy in some vehicles.
  • In rare cases, a message on the dashboard about battery charging or temperature.
  • Intermittent warning light that comes and goes with temperature changes or vibration.
  • No drivability complaints in most cases because the fault is in a monitoring circuit.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty battery temperature sensor itself, especially after age or heat exposure.
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring between the sensor and the PCM.
  3. Loose or contaminated connector pins at the sensor or PCM.
  4. Poor ground connection for the sensor circuit.
  5. PCM software issue or internal fault in the sensor input circuit (less common).
  6. Aftermarket battery or accessory installation that disturbed the sensor wiring.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify the battery is fully charged and in good condition, as low voltage can skew sensor readings.
  2. Inspect the battery temperature sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins.
  3. Measure the sensor resistance with a multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's temperature-resistance chart.
  4. Check the sensor signal voltage at the PCM connector while wiggling the harness to catch intermittent faults.
  5. Test the ground circuit for excessive resistance and repair any bad grounds.
  6. Replace the battery temperature sensor if resistance is out of specification or the signal is erratic.
  7. Clear the code and perform a drive cycle to confirm the repair, reprogramming the PCM if a software update is available.

What most technicians miss on P0514

  • A weak or failing battery can cause the PCM to misread the temperature sensor signal, so always load-test the battery before condemning the sensor.
  • Corrosion inside the sensor connector often looks clean from the outside but creates enough resistance to set a range/performance code.
  • Some vehicles use the battery temperature sensor to adjust charging voltage, so a fault can lead to overcharging or undercharging that damages the battery over time.
  • The code can be set by a poor ground shared with other sensors, so check ground straps and engine-to-body grounds before replacing parts.
  • After replacing a battery, the sensor may be left unplugged or the wiring pinched, which sets P0514 immediately on the next key cycle.

Can I keep driving with P0514?

You can usually continue driving with P0514 because it does not affect engine operation or safety, but have the charging system checked soon to avoid battery damage. Avoid ignoring it for months, as a misreported battery temperature can lead to incorrect charging voltage and a shortened battery life.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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