Error Code P1510 is defined as Throttle Control System Performance.

This error code is a manufacturer-specific trouble code, meaning it does not apply to all vehicles makes. Rather, it applies only to specific vehicle makes, such as Ford. Specification on the definition, troubleshooting, and repairs still vary from one make and model to another.

Definition

With the engine running, system voltage over 7V, Idle Learn procedure is not running, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module, also known as ECM or Engine Control Module in other vehicle makes) detects that the pulse width modulation (PWM) was more than 80%for longer than 6 seconds.

Common Symptoms

As with other error code, this code activates the Check Engine light and registers the code to the vehicle’s system.

Possible Causes

There are a couple of factors that cause this code, which are:

  • Defective Faulty throttle body
  • Open or shorted throttle body harness
  • Poor electrical connection throttle body circuit

How to Check and Fix

To solve this problem, you will need a 6mm Socket, a 10mm Socket, a T-40 Torx, Long flat head screwdriver, Non-Residue-Leaving cleaner if your ICV is filthy, and a tray to hold screws, bolts, loose pieces.

Undo all of the 5 clips that secure the top of the intake box. Press down the metal detention clip and pull outward to remove the MAF sensor electrical connector. Separate the front and rear intake tubes to the box, remove the top half with filter insert.

Then, using the 10mm socket, remove the bolts and carefully lift out the bottom half of the intake box.

Undo the four clips that hold the cover on for the positive battery lead and other electrical cables. At this time, you may also want to disconnect the battery lead so you can move it out of the way.

Undo the three twisting retention clips that hold the cabin air filter cover on, then remove the cover and filter insert.

Then, remove the four bolts using T-40 Torx, hold the cabin air filter box in place and the remove the box.

Remove the rubber molding from around the brake cylinder housing. Be careful when doing this, there are loose rubber grommets that protect the hoses. Then, remove the pair of twisting clips that hold the plastic shield which protects the brake cylinder area. The clips are very similar to the cabin air filters.

Remove the shield that protects the brake cylinder. Don’t rush this. Take your time. You may want to try different angles as this is quite an obtuse piece of plastic.

Next, remove the clamps that hold the air duct with MAF sensor attached with either a long flat-head screwdriver or a 6mm socket. The circled tubing may or may not need to be removed, as they can bend out of the way. The F-shaped connector is barbed, pull it out using the flat-head screwdriver.

Remove two T-40 Torx bolts that hold the adjustment box in place against the manifold. Then, remove the adjustment box by pulling it out.

Remove the retention clip that holds the T-40 Torx bolt to free up the workspace.

Then, remove the two T-40 Torx bolts that hold the Idle Control Valve mount from the Idle Control valve itself. You can use a flathead screwdriver or a 6mm socket to loosen it up and remove the clamp that holds the idle air duct against the Idle Control Valve. Pull the idle air duct off the Idle Control Valve. This one is barbed to secure itself in place, but you can work with it for it to come off.

Next, push down on the pin and pull outward to remove the electrical connection in the Idle Control valve. Then, pull the valve away from the throttle body duct to remove it. This one is also barbed, which means you will have to work with it for it to come out. Be careful around the ICV though, as it may bend away; don’t put too much backward pressure against it.

Check the Idle Control valve. There’s a good chance there’s a lot of carbon and grime build up there. You can use a brake cleaner on a clean cloth to clean. Wrap the flathead screwdriver with a cloth soaked with a brake cleaner and poke and wipe the inside of the valve clean. Also, make sure you get some of the cleaner inside and twist the ICV back and forth to clean it thoroughly and lubricate it as well.

After using the cleaner, dry the idle control valve indoors.

Then, re-install the ICV and work your way backward from here.

The repairs above may seem like a lot of work, but it’s doable. As always, if you’re not confident with your repair skills and knowledge, you can hire a certified technician to get the job done for you.