P0510
Closed Throttle Position Switch
Idle / throttle control
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0510 means the ECM has detected a fault with the closed throttle position switch — the switch that tells it when the throttle is fully closed, such as at idle. When this signal is wrong or missing, the ECM cannot manage idle correctly, so the engine may idle roughly or stall when you come to a stop. The cause is usually the switch itself, its adjustment, or the wiring.
High
Can I keep driving? Drivable but the engine may idle poorly or stall when coming to a stop, so have it repaired soon.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Engine stalls or nearly stalls when coming to a stop
- Rough or erratic idle
- Idle does not settle correctly after start-up
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty closed throttle position switchLikely
- Open or shorted wiring in the switch circuitCommon
- Corroded or loose electrical connectorCommon
- Misadjusted throttle stop or switch (where adjustable)Less often
- Failed ECM (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and inspect the switch connector for corrosion or looseness.
- Check the switch's wiring for opens and shorts and confirm it changes state as the throttle closes.
- Verify the switch is correctly adjusted at the closed-throttle stop, if adjustable.
- Replace the closed throttle position switch if it does not signal correctly, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0510?+
It is drivable, but the engine may stall when you slow to a stop, which can be unsafe. Have it repaired soon.
Can I just clear P0510?+
You can, but it returns until the switch, its adjustment, or the wiring is corrected.
Related codes
Often seen with P0510
Read & clear P0510 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX