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DTC codes / P0Exx · Hybrid propulsion / P0E82

P0E82Battery Charger B Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

P0E82 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally low voltage signal from the temperature sensor circuit of the auxiliary battery charger, which is often part of a hybrid or electric vehicle charging system. The sensor is a thermistor whose resistance drops as temperature rises, so a low signal voltage typically means the sensor is reading hotter than expected or the circuit is shorted to ground.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaHybrid propulsion

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light or service vehicle soon message with no other noticeable change in operation
  • Reduced or disabled battery charging function, especially in plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles
  • A warning message on the dash indicating a charging system fault or high battery charger temperature
  • Possible transition to limp mode or reduced power if the control module derates the charging system for protection
  • In rare cases, a burning smell or visible overheating near the charger assembly if the sensor is under-reporting actual temperature

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A short to ground in the signal wire between the battery charger temperature sensor and the control module
  2. A failed battery charger temperature sensor that has drifted to a low-resistance value
  3. Corroded, loose, or damaged connector pins at the sensor or charger assembly
  4. Internal fault within the battery charger module that pulls the sensor signal line low
  5. Water intrusion or contamination in the sensor circuit causing a partial short
  6. A faulty control module that misinterprets a normal sensor signal as low

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the battery charger temperature sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins, and repair as needed
  2. Disconnect the sensor and measure its resistance with a multimeter, comparing to the manufacturer's temperature-resistance chart to confirm sensor condition
  3. With the sensor disconnected, check the signal wire for continuity to ground; any continuity indicates a short that must be located and repaired
  4. Back-probe the sensor signal circuit at the control module and compare the voltage with the sensor connected and disconnected to isolate whether the fault lies in the wiring or the sensor
  5. Replace the battery charger temperature sensor if it fails the resistance test or if the signal voltage remains low with the sensor unplugged
  6. Clear the diagnostic trouble codes and perform a road test or charging cycle to verify the repair and ensure the code does not return

Charger temperature sensor faults that fool technicians

  • A low signal voltage does not always mean the sensor is bad; a shorted signal wire or a faulty charger module can pull the voltage down and mimic a sensor failure.
  • On many hybrid and electric vehicles, the battery charger temperature sensor is integrated into the charger assembly and cannot be replaced separately, so a sensor fault may require charger replacement.
  • Intermittent low-voltage codes often appear after exposure to moisture or road splash, so check for water intrusion in the charger connector and harness routing.
  • The control module may set P0E82 as a reactive code when the 12-volt battery is weak or the charging system voltage is unstable, so always verify battery and charging system health first.
  • A sensor that reads low temperature (low voltage) can cause the charger to overheat because the control module fails to activate cooling fans or derate charging, leading to collateral damage.

Can I keep driving with P0E82?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid using the charging system or plugging in until the fault is repaired, as continued operation may cause overheating or further damage to the charger assembly.

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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