96 Neon - Code 44

[redrival]

When I check the codes I get a 44 which is a "battery temp sensor volts out of range." Other than this I just had it into the shop and they told me the valve cover gasket was slightly cracked. I've switched out the spark plugs because it was misfiring. It's a lot better now but still idles a little rough after running for a minute. I was wondering if the above mentioned problems could affect idle? What does batter temp sensor volts out of range mean? And how much could the cracked valve gasket cover be affecting all this? Thanks in advance.

[MrRoscoePC]

The battery temp sensor is located under the front of the battery. It is used by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to do its Fuel/Air density calculations and control the injector dwell time. It can affect the running of the car. Unless you have a DRB (Diagnostic Readout Box) to see the actual temperature it is reading it is hard to prove it has caused your problem. I would suggest checking to see if the connector is unplugged or shorted.Remove the connector and check for rust. You can check the sensor contacts with an ohm meter and see if there is any resistance. If it is open, it has failed internally and will need replacing.
RG