The Problem
Customer reported the 100kW CHAdeMO charging sessions were now capping at approximately 30kW, significantly increasing charge time. Range had appeared to drop by around 25% over two weeks. No capacity bar loss on the dashboard display. P0D16 (Battery Energy Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance) stored as a current fault. Shop suspected battery pack degradation and was considering replacement.
Diagnostic Procedure
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1. Pull and document all stored faults with Nissan-capable scan tool (Consult III+ or Autel with Nissan coverage). Confirm P0D16 is current, not historical. Check for companion codes related to BMS or charging system.
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2. Access Battery Management System live data. Monitor all available battery temperature sensor channels (typically T1-T4 on Leaf Plus). A failed NTC sensor will read implausibly high (above 80C at ambient temperature) or implausibly low (-40C) compared to the other sensors which should read close to ambient.
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3. Compare all temperature sensor readings at cold start (after overnight soak). Healthy sensors should read within 3-5 degrees of each other. A significant outlier - especially one reading above 50C at room temperature - confirms sensor fault.
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4. Do not attempt to measure sensor resistance directly on the HV battery pack without proper HV isolation. Diagnosis via live data comparison is sufficient to confirm the faulty channel.
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5. Check technical service bulletins for the specific Leaf Plus model year. Nissan issued several bulletins related to temperature sensor failures on ZE1 platform.
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6. Verify charging behavior before repair: attempt a CHAdeMO session and monitor the charge curve. A sensor reading overtemperature will cap the charge rate immediately, regardless of actual pack temperature.
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7. Locate the faulty temperature sensor connector on the battery pack (external connector, no HV exposure required for connector inspection). Check for corrosion or pushed-back pin on the sensor harness connector.
Resolution & Root Cause
Live data showed temperature sensor T3 reading 94C at ambient temperature while T1, T2, T4 read 19-21C. BMS was correctly interpreting this as an overtemperature condition and limiting charge and discharge rates to protect the pack. The "range reduction" was caused by BMS power derating, not actual capacity loss. Temperature sensor harness connector at the battery pack showed a corroded pin on the T3 signal wire. Connector cleaned with electrical contact cleaner, pin re-tensioned. On retest, T3 read 20C consistent with other sensors. P0D16 cleared and did not return. DC fast charging restored to full 100kW rate. Customer confirmed normal range on subsequent drives. No battery pack work required.
💡 Key Lesson
On Nissan Leaf Plus, P0D16 combined with reduced DC charging speed almost always points to a temperature sensor fault before battery degradation. A single failed NTC sensor causes the BMS to protect the pack by derating output and charge rate, which the customer experiences as sudden range loss and slow charging. Always compare all temperature sensor channels in live data before any discussion of battery replacement.
About This Case
This case was solved remotely by an HVDesk specialist with 15+ years of hands-on experience across major EV platforms including Tesla, Hyundai/Kia, Volkswagen ID series, BMW i-series, and Ford EVs. The procedure was provided as structured remote support to an independent auto repair shop.
