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 provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0510:  Idle Position Switch Circuit

Circuit 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.
    • The throttle position is closed.
    • DTC P0510 runs continuously once the above condition is met.

Idle Switch Closed

    • DTCs P0122, P0123, P0222, and P0223 are not set.
    • The engine is operating.
    • The throttle position is greater than 35°.
    • DTC P0510 runs continuously once the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the idle switch signal is OFF when the throttle is less than 10° for more than 2 seconds.

Or

The ECM detects that the idle switch signal is ON when the throttle is more than 35° for more than 0.2 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0510 is a Type A DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0510 is a Type A DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

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

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, engine OFF. Observe the idle switch parameter with a scan tool while slowly depressing the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle. The idle switch parameter should change from ON, to OFF when the accelerator pedal is depressed.
  2. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification Test, then operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

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

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the ISC motor.
  2. Measure the resistance between the idle switch position terminal and low reference circuit terminal of the ISC motor.
  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 engine control module replacement, setup, and programming