GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0510: Idle Position Switch Circuit

Circuit/System Description

The throttle body assembly contains an idle speed control (ISC) motor that is used to control the engine speed at idle. The engine control module (ECM) commands the ISC motor to adjust the throttle angle for idle speed control. An idle switch is also integrated into the throttle body assembly. The idle switch position is dependant upon the position of the throttle. The ECM receives an ON signal from the idle switch when the throttle is at idle and receives an OFF signal from the switch when the throttle is open.

The following table illustrates the correlation between the idle switch and the throttle position:

Throttle Position

Idle Switch

Idle Switch Parameter

Closed

Open

ON

Open

Closed

OFF

Conditions for Running the DTC

Idle Switch Open

    • DTCs P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, P2101, P2118, and P2119 are not set.
    • Ignition is ON.
    • DTC P0510 runs continuously once the above condition is met.

Idle Switch Closed

    • DTCs P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, P2101, P2118, and P2119 are not set.
    • Ignition is ON.
    • Throttle position is greater than 24 degrees for 2 seconds.
    • DTC P0510 runs continuously once the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects an open, or a short to ground on the idle position signal circuit of the ISC motor.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0510 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0510 is a Type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool idle switch parameter while slowly depressing the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle. The reading should change from ON to OFF, when the accelerator pedal is depressed.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ISC motor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal 8 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Idle Switch parameter displays OFF.
  5. If the Idle Switch parameter displays ON, test the idle switch signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the idle switch signal circuit terminal 6 and ground. Verify the scan tool Idle Switch parameter displays ON.
  7. If the Idle Switch parameter displays OFF, test the idle switch signal circuit for an open. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If the fuse in the jumper wire opens, repair the short to voltage on the idle switch signal circuit.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the throttle body.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ISC motor.
  2. Test the resistance between the idle switch position terminal 6 and low reference circuit terminal 8.
  3. If the resistance does not change as the throttle is opened and closed, replace the throttle body.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Throttle Body Assembly Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming