P0516 code meaning
Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P05xx codes Check engine light
What P0516 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. P0516 means the signal voltage stays below its limit for a minimum time; with an NTC in a voltage divider a low voltage means very hot, or more often a signal line shorted to ground or an internal short. The module then assumes a hot battery and may charge too little. No manufacturer document available to us names this code; the description follows CARB's input component rules. A fixed substitute temperature is then used.
P0516 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 P0516
- Possibly check engine light
- Charging voltage too low
- Battery weak, starting problems in the cold
Common causes of P0516
- Most likelySignal line shorted to ground (chafed at the battery tray)
- PossibleSensor shorted internally
- PossibleMoisture or acid in the connector
- 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 P0516 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. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0516 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 P0516
What does P0516 mean?
P0516 means "Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low". 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 P0516?
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 P0516 fail an emissions test?
P0516 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 P0516 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 P0516 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.