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Home / DTC / P0510 — Idle position switch

P0510 — Idle position switch

Detailed page for trouble code P0510.

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Code

P0510

MITSUBISHI P — Powertrain

Idle position switch

Brand: MITSUBISHI
Type: P — Powertrain
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty idle position switch (mechanical failure or internal short/open)
  • Damaged wiring, broken wires, chafing or poor repair in switch circuit
  • Corroded or loose connector at switch or ECM
  • Contaminated or sticking throttle plate/shaft preventing proper switch actuation
  • Faulty ECM or internal input circuit problem
  • Aftermarket modifications or poor throttle body installation

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) ON
  • Unstable or erratic idle (high, low or hunting)
  • Hard starting or stalls when cold or at idle
  • Reduced idle control performance, possible stalling on decel
  • Transmission shifting symptoms on some vehicles that use idle reference

What to check

  • Retrieve freeze frame & live data with a scan tool; note status of idle switch/Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and engine RPM
  • Visual inspection of throttle body, switch connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
  • Backprobe the switch connector with key ON and engine OFF to observe reference voltage and signal changes while moving throttle to closed position
  • Check continuity and resistance between switch connector and ECM connector (with power removed)
  • Wiggle test wiring while monitoring signal for intermittent faults
  • Inspect and clean throttle plate/shaft; ensure plate returns to fully closed position

Signal parameters

  • Typical: Two/three-wire switch using a 5 V reference and signal or a switched-to-ground signal; specifics vary by model
  • Idle switch closed (throttle fully closed): signal typically pulled to ground (~0–0.5 V) or low voltage
  • Idle switch open (throttle off-idle): signal typically ~5 V (or high) if using pull-up
  • Continuity: closed switch should show near 0 Ω when actuated; open switch should show infinite Ω
  • Scan tool: idle switch should change state reliably as throttle is opened/closed and at idle

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a scan tool; confirm P0510 is active and review freeze frame/live data for conditions when fault set.
  2. Visually inspect throttle body, switch connector, and harness for damage or contamination; repair as needed.
  3. With key ON (engine OFF) backprobe the switch harness: verify reference voltage/power and ground are present per vehicle specification.
  4. Operate throttle by hand and observe signal voltage or status change; if no change, check switch continuity with multimeter.
  5. If wiring/power/ground OK but switch does not change state, replace the idle position switch or throttle body assembly as required.
  6. If intermittent, perform wiggle tests and probe wiring continuity from switch to ECM; repair broken/shorted wiring or damaged connectors.
  7. After repairs, clear codes, perform any required throttle/idle relearn procedure per manufacturer, and road-test to verify the fault does not return.
  8. If wiring and switch pass tests but code persists, consider ECM input circuit diagnosis or replacement as last resort.

Likely causes

  • Open or short in the switch signal wire between throttle body and ECM
  • Idle switch stuck (mechanical) or out of adjustment
  • Connector pins corroded or pushed out at the switch
  • Dirty/sticky throttle plate preventing switch from actuating at closed throttle
  • Failed idle switch module on the throttle body assembly

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Idle position switch circuit malfunction — ECM detected invalid, missing or inconsistent idle switch signal.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

Similar codes

P0505 P0506 P0120 P0121 P0122 P0123
406

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