P0514
Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Charging / battery management
Generic OBD-II
Low
What it means
P0514 means the battery temperature sensor is reporting a value that's out of its expected range or doesn't match conditions. The ECM uses battery temperature to set charging voltage, so a bad reading can make the system over- or under-charge the battery. The engine runs normally, but leaving it unfixed can shorten battery life or stress the electrical system.
Low
Can I keep driving? Drivable — the engine runs normally, but the charging system may over- or under-charge the battery, so have it checked to protect battery and electrical health.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Charging voltage too high or too low
- Shortened battery life or slow cranking over time
- Often no obvious driving symptoms
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty battery temperature sensor reading out of rangeLikely
- Damaged wiring or poor connection in the sensor circuitCommon
- Corrosion at the sensor or connectorCommon
- Sensor mounted where it reads an incorrect temperatureLess often
- Rarely, a failed ECMLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and compare the reported battery temperature to the actual ambient/battery temperature.
- Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or a loose fit.
- Measure sensor resistance against the temperature-vs-resistance spec; replace it if out of range.
- Confirm charging voltage returns to normal after repair, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0514?+
Yes, the engine runs fine, but the charging system may misregulate voltage, which can shorten battery life, so don't ignore it.
Can I just clear P0514?+
It will return once the ECM reads the out-of-range value again unless the sensor or its wiring is repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P0514
Read & clear P0514 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX