P0515 code meaning
Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P05xx codes Check engine light
What P0515 means
The battery temperature sensor – usually an NTC in the battery tray or inside an intelligent battery sensor on the negative terminal – lets the module adjust the charging voltage (higher when cold, lower when warm) and supports battery management and start-stop. P0515 is its general circuit fault – open or short – without separating low and high; the charging voltage is then fixed or conservative. No manufacturer document available to us names this code; the description follows CARB's input component rules. A fixed substitute temperature is then used.
P0515 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0515
- Possibly check engine light
- Charging voltage not temperature-compensated
- Start-stop or battery management limited
Common causes of P0515
- Most likelySensor or connector corroded (battery acid)
- PossibleWire open or chafed
- PossibleSensor not plugged in after a battery change
- Less likelyModule
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery temperature sensorSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0515 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 5 | Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs. |
| 15 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0515 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0515
What does P0515 mean?
P0515 means "Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit". The battery temperature sensor – usually an NTC in the battery tray or inside an intelligent battery sensor on the negative terminal – lets the module adjust the charging voltage (higher when cold, lower when warm) and supports battery management and start-stop. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0515?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0515 fail an emissions test?
P0515 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0515 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0515 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.