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DTC codes / P05xx · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs / P0516

P0516Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

P0516 means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a voltage signal from the battery temperature sensor that is lower than the expected range for the current conditions. The sensor is a thermistor that changes resistance with temperature, and a low signal typically indicates a short to ground or an open circuit in the sensor or its wiring.

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.
  • Incorrect battery charging or poor fuel economy due to the PCM using a default temperature value.
  • Hard starting or rough idle in extreme temperatures if the PCM misjudges battery condition.
  • A battery that never seems to charge properly or repeatedly goes dead.
  • In some vehicles, a message on the driver information center about a battery or charging system fault.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A failed battery temperature sensor with an internal short to ground.
  2. Damaged or chafed wiring between the sensor and the PCM, causing a short to ground.
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the sensor or PCM.
  4. A faulty PCM, though this is rare and should be diagnosed last.
  5. Moisture intrusion into the sensor connector or wiring harness.
  6. Aftermarket accessories improperly wired into the sensor circuit.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0516 and check for related codes in other modules.
  2. Visually inspect the sensor, its connector, and the wiring harness for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  3. Measure the sensor's resistance with a multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's temperature-resistance chart.
  4. Backprobe the sensor signal wire at the PCM and check for a short to ground with the sensor disconnected.
  5. Repair or replace any damaged wiring or connectors, then clear the code and verify the repair.
  6. If the wiring and sensor test good, substitute a known-good sensor to see if the code returns.
  7. As a last step, diagnose the PCM for internal faults before replacement.

What a low battery temp signal really means

  • A low signal voltage does not always mean the sensor is bad; a short to ground in the wiring is just as common and often overlooked.
  • The battery temperature sensor is sometimes integrated into the battery current sensor or mounted on the negative battery cable, so the whole assembly may need replacement.
  • The PCM may use a default battery temperature value when the sensor fails, which can affect charging strategy and lead to premature battery wear.
  • On some vehicles, a weak or failing battery itself can cause erratic sensor readings, so always load-test the battery before condemning the sensor.
  • Corrosion inside the sensor connector can create a low-resistance path to ground, mimicking a failed sensor.

Can I keep driving with P0516?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive with P0516 because the PCM substitutes a default battery temperature, but avoid long trips or heavy electrical loads until the fault is repaired. Prolonged driving with this code can lead to improper charging and a dead battery, so have it diagnosed soon.

Tools that help

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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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