P0517
Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Charging system
Generic OBD-II
Low
What it means
P0517 means the ECM sees an abnormally high voltage on the battery temperature sensor circuit — usually an open circuit, a short to power, or a failing sensor. This sensor lets the charging system adjust voltage for battery temperature; with a bad reading the battery can be over- or under-charged, which shortens its life. The engine itself runs normally.
Low
Can I keep driving? Drivable — this is a sensor circuit fault. The engine runs normally, but charging voltage may not be temperature-compensated, so the battery can be over- or under-charged over time.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Battery/charging warning light may illuminate
- Over- or under-charging (voltage not adjusted for temperature)
- Shortened battery life over time
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty battery temperature sensorLikely
- Open circuit or short-to-power in the sensor wiring (high voltage reading)Common
- Corroded or loose sensor connectorCommon
- Sensor exposed to a wiring fault near the batteryLess often
- ECM/PCM fault (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and confirm the code with a scan tool.
- Locate the battery temperature sensor and inspect its connector and wiring.
- Check for an open circuit or short to power causing the high reading.
- Compare the sensor's resistance/voltage against spec at a known temperature.
- Replace the sensor if it reads out of range. Clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0517?+
Yes — the engine runs fine. The concern is long-term: without temperature-compensated charging the battery can wear out faster. Fix it at your convenience.
Can I just clear P0517?+
It returns until the sensor or its wiring is repaired. Clearing only resets the light.
Related codes
Often seen with P0517
Read & clear P0517 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