OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0516 — Battery Temperature Sensor Low
P0516 means the battery temperature sensor signal voltage is low, which usually indicates a very high temperature reading or a short to ground in the circuit. The ECM considers the reading out of range.
Severity 2/5
Truck-relevant
Service soon
Severity
Service soon
Battery Temperature Sensor Low
Code
P0516
Category
Powertrain
Subsystem
Network
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
Service this week on a Cummins X15, Detroit DD15, PACCAR MX-13. Not an immediate stop, but ignoring it usually leads to a more expensive fix downstream.
Before you replace parts — try this first
P0516 on the Network system is most often sensor circuit shorted to ground — not a dead part. On commercial diesels especially, work these in order before spending money on parts:
- Confirm the symptoms. Match what your truck is doing to the Symptoms section below. If the code is set but the symptoms are not there, clear the code and re-test after a drive cycle — it may not return.
- Clean and dry the sensor connector. Water, road salt, or oil seeping into a connector is the #1 fake sensor failure. Disconnect, look for green corrosion or moisture, spray with electrical contact cleaner, dry, reseat. Many faults clear here for $0.
- Inspect the wiring harness. Trace the wire from the sensor toward the ECM — look for chafing against the engine block, melted insulation near the turbo or exhaust, or pinch points where a clamp has rubbed through.
- Test the sensor before swapping it. Most Common Causes (below) list the expected voltage or resistance range — a $20 multimeter saves a $300 sensor swap that does not fix the problem.
- Only then, replace the part. Use the OEM or a tier-1 aftermarket. Cheap sensors throw the same code in two weeks.
Symptoms
Charging voltage may be reduced, leading to slow cranking or a low-voltage warning. Usually no other driveability symptoms.
Common causes
- CommonSensor circuit shorted to ground ($100–$300)
- CommonFailed sensor ($80–$250)
- OccasionalCorroded connector from battery acid ($50–$200)
How to fix
Unplug the sensor; if the reading changes to very cold the wiring is fine and the sensor is suspect
When to use: To isolate sensor versus wiring
Check wiring for chafing to frame or battery box
When to use: When the reading does not change with the sensor unplugged
Replace the sensor
When to use: When the sensor is shorted
Affects most
No specific vehicle pattern found in our complaint database. This code can appear on any vehicle that supports OBD-II diagnostics.
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → P0500 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- → P0501 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Range/Performance
- → P0502 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Low Input
- → P0503 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent/Erratic/High
- → P0506 — Idle Control System RPM Lower Than Expected
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0516?
P0516 is severity 2 — service this week. Not an immediate stop, but ignoring it usually compounds the problem. Most common cause for this code is a worn sensor or minor performance fault that won't strand you today but will get more expensive the longer you wait.
How much does it cost to fix P0516 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $50–$300 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Sensor circuit shorted to ground — which is also the most common. On commercial trucks the cost is usually higher than passenger vehicles due to part availability and shop labor rates ($120–185/hour at most truck shops, vs $90–130 at general auto shops). DIY-capable fixes (sensors, hoses, filters) are at the low end; major component replacements (turbo actuator, high-pressure fuel pump, transmission solenoid pack) are at the high end. Always diagnose with a scan tool BEFORE replacing parts — guessing wrong on a $1,500 turbo actuator when the actual issue was a $30 boost hose is a common expensive mistake.
Will P0516 fail a DOT inspection?
P0516 is generally not a direct DOT inspection fail item by itself. Inspectors focus on safety-critical systems (brakes, steering, tires, lights, hours-of-service). However, the check engine light alone can trigger additional inspection scrutiny. Best practice: fix the code and clear it before a planned inspection.
What's the difference between P0516 and related codes?
P0516 is closely related to: P0500 (Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction), P0501 (Vehicle Speed Sensor Range/Performance), P0502 (Vehicle Speed Sensor Low Input), P0503 (Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent/Erratic/High). These codes share the same subsystem (network) and often appear together. If you see this code, scan for the full code list — fixing the root cause usually clears multiple companion codes at once. If only P0516 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent P0516 from coming back after a repair?
For P0516 (Battery Temperature Sensor Low), prevention centers on the network system. Pay attention to ground connections at every PM — bad grounds are 70% of communication codes. Inspect harness routing for chafe points. Don't disconnect modules with the key on.