P0510: The closed throttle position switch is reporting a fault
Closed throttle position switch malfunction
Severity: Monitor
Sources do not give a danger rating. Symptoms include stalling and lack of power, so have it checked if those appear.
It gets more serious if:
- Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine stalls or loses power.
P0510 in short
P0510 means the computer found a fault with the closed throttle position switch, which tells it when the throttle is fully shut. Damaged wiring, a dirty throttle body, an open or shorted switch circuit, or rarely the computer can cause it. Get it checked if the engine stalls or loses power.
The closed throttle position switch sits in the throttle body and reports when the throttle valve is closed, which the computer uses to control idle.
TroubleCodes.net lists damaged switch or throttle position sensor wiring, dirt in the throttle valve, open or short circuits in the switch, and a damaged computer as the usual causes.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Damaged wiring to the closed throttle or throttle position sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Damaged wiring is listed first by TroubleCodes.net and is the cheapest thing to check.
- What would change this
- Rises if the harness shows damage or an open circuit. Falls if the wiring tests good.
Cause 2: Dirt built up in the throttle body
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Listed as a common cause; dirt can stop the throttle fully closing against the switch.
- What would change this
- Rises if the throttle bore is visibly dirty. Falls if it is clean.
Cause 3: Open or shorted closed throttle switch circuit
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Named as a cause, and the fix is to replace the sensor once connections prove sound.
- What would change this
- Rises when connections are sound but the signal is wrong. Falls if the signal is fine.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Check the harness and engine computer connections for openings, and the wiring between the sensor and the computer for damage.
IfDamaged or open wiring is found
It meansRepair it.
Points to: Damaged wiring to the closed throttle or throttle position sensor
IfWiring is sound
It meansLook at the throttle body and switch.
Step 2: Look at the throttle body for dirt, and test the switch circuit for opens and shorts.
Warning:The throttle body is on the intake with moving parts; keep the engine off and the key out, and do not force the throttle plate by hand on an electronic throttle.
IfThe throttle valve is dirty
It meansCleaning may be needed.
IfThe switch circuit is open or shorted with good wiring
It meansThe sensor needs replacing.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- High or low idle
- Poor acceleration or lack of power
- Engine stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
On your vehicle
NissanYour car
1995–1997 · Altima
Supported by vehicle dataNissan bulletin NTB98024A says vehicles may show a check engine light with P0510 and other codes with no driveability incidents. Whether it is still current is not verified.
1995–1996 · Maxima
Supported by vehicle dataNissan bulletin NTB98024A says vehicles may show a check engine light with P0510 and other codes with no driveability incidents. Whether it is still current is not verified.
1996–1997 · Pathfinder
Supported by vehicle dataNissan bulletin NTB98024A says vehicles may show a check engine light with P0510 and other codes with no driveability incidents. Whether it is still current is not verified.
1996–1997 · Quest
Supported by vehicle dataNissan bulletin NTB98024A says vehicles may show a check engine light with P0510 and other codes with no driveability incidents. Whether it is still current is not verified.
1995–1997 · Sentra
Supported by vehicle dataNissan bulletin NTB98024A says vehicles may show a check engine light with P0510 and other codes with no driveability incidents. Whether it is still current is not verified.
NTB98024AStatus unverified
MIL on with P0120, P0510, P0731, P0732 or P0733 and no driveability complaint
1995–1997altima, maxima, pathfinder, quest, sentra · issued · NHTSA 602818
Nissan bulletin saying vehicles may show a check engine light with P0120, P0510, P0731, P0732 or P0733 with no driveability incidents. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
Sources and review
- P0510 Closed Throttle Position switch circuit malfunction
- On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list)
- NTB98024A: MIL on with P0120, P0510, P0731, P0732 or P0733 and no driveability complaint
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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