P0510 Closed throttle position switch
What P0510 means
The engine control unit uses a closed throttle switch, or a closed-throttle reading from the throttle sensor, to know when your foot is off the accelerator. The signal is not matching the throttle position, so idle control and deceleration fuel cut-off may not work properly.
P0510 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- High
- Typical repair cost
- 60–250 €
- Workshop time
- 0.3–1.2 h
- Repair difficulty
- Easy
- DIY possible
- Yes
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- No
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Unstable or high idle
- Stalling when releasing the accelerator
- Poor throttle response
- Check engine light on
Common causes
- Carbon build-up stopping the throttle from closing fully
- Faulty closed throttle switch or throttle position sensor
- Switch out of adjustment
- Damaged wiring or poor connector at the throttle body
Can I keep driving with P0510?
Have it checked within a few days. Stalling or unexpected idle speed can make driving in traffic unsafe.
What to check first
- Check that the throttle plate closes fully and the cable is not binding
- Clean the throttle body
- Check the switch or throttle sensor signal in live data as the pedal is pressed and released
- Adjust or replace the switch or throttle position sensor
Related codes
- P0507 Idle control system RPM higher than expected
- P0506 Idle control system RPM lower than expected
- P0505 Idle air control system
- P0504 Brake switch A/B correlation
- P0503 Vehicle speed sensor A intermittent/erratic/high
- P0502 Vehicle speed sensor A circuit low
- P0501 Vehicle speed sensor A range/performance
- P0500 Vehicle speed sensor A circuit
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
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