Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0516
Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
Technical Description P0516
Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
What Does This Mean P0516?
This generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code can typically apply to all OBD-II equipped vehicles, but shows up more often in certain Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi and Toyota vehicles.
Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
The Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) is usually located close to the battery /mounted inside the PCM (powertrain control module). The BTS sensor converts the temperature of the air surrounding the battery into an electrical signal for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM receives this voltage signal to determine how much voltage the battery will receive while charging the battery based upon localized temperatures. This code is set if this input does not match normal engine operating conditions stored in the PCM's memory, even for a second, as this diagnostic trouble code demonstrates. It also looks at the voltage signal from the BTS sensor to determine if it is correct at initial Key On.
Code P0516 is set when the voltage at the sensor stays below a set level (usually under 0.3V) for too long a period. This code is usually considered to be an electrical circuit issue.
Troubleshooting steps may vary depending upon manufacturer, type of BTS sensor and wire colors. An example of a battery temperature sensor is shown here:
Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
The Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) is usually located close to the battery /mounted inside the PCM (powertrain control module). The BTS sensor converts the temperature of the air surrounding the battery into an electrical signal for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM receives this voltage signal to determine how much voltage the battery will receive while charging the battery based upon localized temperatures. This code is set if this input does not match normal engine operating conditions stored in the PCM's memory, even for a second, as this diagnostic trouble code demonstrates. It also looks at the voltage signal from the BTS sensor to determine if it is correct at initial Key On.
Code P0516 is set when the voltage at the sensor stays below a set level (usually under 0.3V) for too long a period. This code is usually considered to be an electrical circuit issue.
Troubleshooting steps may vary depending upon manufacturer, type of BTS sensor and wire colors. An example of a battery temperature sensor is shown here: