Possible causes

– Throttle Position Switch (TPS) Adjustment
– Faulty Throttle Position Switch (TPS)
– Throttle Position Switch (TPS) harness open or shorted
– Throttle Position Switch (TPS) circuit poor electrical connection

Tech notes

Adjusting the Throttle Position Switch (TPS) may take care of the problem, if the problem persist the TPS may need to be replaced.

There is a Nissan bulletin for the following models:

1995-1996 Nissan Maxima
1995-1997 Nissan Sentra/200SX
1996-1997 Nissan Truck
1995-1997 Nissan Altima
1996-1997 Nissan Pathfinder
1995-1996 Nissan 240SX
1996-1997 Nissan Quest
Nissan Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0510

When is the code detected?

Malfunction is detected when battery voltage from the closed throttle position switch is sent to ECM with the throttle valve opened.

Symptoms

– Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
– Engine idle problems
– Possible hard to start
– Possible shifting problems

P0510 NISSAN Description

A closed Throttle Position Switch (TPS) and wide open TPS are built into the throttle position sensor unit on most Nissan vehicles, on older Nissan vehicles the TPS is a separate unit. The wide open throttle position switch is used only for A/T control. When the throttle valve is in the closed position, the closed throttle position switch sends a voltage signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM only uses this signal to open or close the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve when the throttle position sensor is malfunctioning.

NISSAN Technical Service Bulletins for P0510 code