P0516
Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
Charging system
Generic OBD-II
Low
What it means
P0516 means the ECM sees an abnormally low voltage from the battery temperature sensor circuit. That sensor lets the computer adjust charging voltage to the battery's temperature, so a low or shorted signal mostly affects charging regulation — the usual cause is a wiring short to ground, a failed sensor, or a bad connector rather than an engine problem.
Low
Can I keep driving? Drivable — the car runs, but the charging voltage may be regulated incorrectly, which can over- or undercharge the battery over time.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Charging voltage too high or too low
- Battery not holding a charge or wearing out early
- Battery / charging warning light in some vehicles
Common causes
Most likely first
- Short to ground in the battery temperature sensor wiringLikely
- Faulty battery temperature sensorCommon
- Corroded or loose sensor connectorCommon
- Open in the sensor signal or reference circuitLess often
- ECM/PCM fault (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and inspect the battery temperature sensor connector and wiring for a short to ground, corrosion, or damage.
- Measure the sensor's resistance and signal voltage against specification.
- Replace the battery temperature sensor if it reads out of range with good wiring.
- Verify charging system voltage after the repair, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0516?+
Short-term yes. The sensor helps the ECM set the correct charging voltage, so a fault can gradually over- or undercharge the battery. Have it checked before it shortens battery life.
Can I just clear P0516?+
It returns if the wiring short or sensor fault is still present. Diagnose the circuit before clearing.
Related codes
Often seen with P0516
Read & clear P0516 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