All codes
Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
P0516 indicates a fault related to battery temperature sensor circuit low. Learn the likely causes and a practical diagnostic order before replacing parts.
What you may notice
Symptoms
- 01Warning light may illuminate
- 02System function may be impaired
- 03Symptoms depend on the vehicle and fault conditions
Where to look first
Common causes
- 01Weak battery, charging fault, poor ground, sensor fault, or harness damage can cause voltage anomalies.
- 02Connector, wiring, ground, or supply-voltage fault
- 03Vehicle-specific mechanical or control problem
A sensible sequence
Best diagnostic order
- 01Record codes and freeze-frame data
- 02Measure battery and charging voltage under load, compare with scan data, and inspect grounds, sensor wiring, and charging system.
- 03Compare results with vehicle-specific service information
- 04Verify the repair and monitor readiness
Step by step
What to check and repair
- 01Measure battery and charging voltage under load, compare with scan data, and inspect grounds, sensor wiring, and charging system.
- 02Repair the confirmed cause and retest under the original fault conditions
Read the signals
Live-data clues
Battery voltage and charging data
- Typical behavior
- Plausible for the current operating condition and vehicle specification
- Possible clue
- An implausible value or dropout helps localize the fault
| Parameter | Typical behavior | What it can suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Battery voltage and charging data | Plausible for the current operating condition and vehicle specification | An implausible value or dropout helps localize the fault |
What P0516 means
P0516 is an OBD2 diagnostic trouble code for battery temperature sensor circuit low. The code identifies a detected condition, not a confirmed failed part.
Diagnostic direction
Measure battery and charging voltage under load, compare with scan data, and inspect grounds, sensor wiring, and charging system.
Before clearing the code
Save stored and pending codes and freeze-frame data. Confirm the exact vehicle procedure and specifications, repair the verified cause, and repeat the applicable test or drive cycle.