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Throttle Plate Position Sensor Circuit – Shorted High
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Overview
| CODE | REASON | EFFECT |
| Fault Code: 512 PID: P51 SPN: 51 FMI: 3 LAMP: Amber SRT: |
Throttle Plate Position Sensor Circuit – Shorted High. High voltage detected at the ECM. |
Possible reduced performance. |
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Electronic Throttle Control Actuator Circuit |
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Circuit Description
The electronic control module (ECM) controls the throttle actuator, which is both an input and output device.
Component Location
The throttle actuator is located after the fuel housing and before the intake manifold inlet.
Shop Talk
The fault will light if the throttle actuator shorts to a high source on either the positive (+) throttle command or throttle position signal circuits.
Cautions and Warnings
CAUTION ![]() To reduce the possibility of damaging a new ECM, all other active fault codes must be investigated prior to replacing the ECM. |
CAUTION ![]() To reduce the possibility of pin and harness damage, use the following test leads when taking a measurement: |
Troubleshooting Steps
| STEPS | SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|---|
| STEP 1. | Check the fault codes. | |
| STEP 1A. Check for an inactive fault code. | Fault Code 512 inactive? | |
| STEP 2. | Check the throttle actuator and circuit. | |
| STEP 2A. Inspect the throttle actuator and connector pins. | Dirty or damaged pins? | |
| STEP 2B. Check for an inactive fault code. | Fault Code 512 inactive? | |
| STEP 3. | Check the ECM and engine harness. | |
| STEP 3A. Inspect the ECM and engine harness connector pins. | Dirty or damaged pins? | |
| STEP 3B. Check for a pin-to-pin short circuit in the engine harness. | Greater than 100k ohms? | |
| STEP 3C. Check for an inactive fault code. | Fault Code 512 inactive? | |
| STEP 4. | Clear the fault codes. | |
| STEP 4A. Disable the fault code. | Fault Code 512 inactive? | |
| STEP 4B. Clear the inactive fault codes. | All fault codes cleared? | |
Guided Step 1 – Check the fault codes.
| Guided Step 1A – Check for an inactive fault code. | |
|---|---|
Conditions
ActionCheck for an inactive fault code.
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Fault Code 512 inactive? |
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| YES | NO |
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Refer to Procedure 019-362 |
No Repair |
Guided Step 2 – Check the throttle actuator and circuit.
| Guided Step 2A – Inspect the throttle actuator and connector pins. | |
|---|---|
Conditions
ActionInspect the engine harness and throttle actuator connector pins for the following:
For general inspection techniques, refer to Component Connector and Pin Inspection, Procedure 019-361. |
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Dirty or damaged pins? |
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| YES | NO |
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A defective connection has been detected in the sensor or engine harness connector. Repair the damaged pins. Repair or replace the harness, or replace the throttle actuator, whichever has the damaged pins.
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No Repair |
| Guided Step 2B – Check for an inactive fault code. | |
|---|---|
Conditions
ActionCheck for the appropriate circuit response after 30 seconds.
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Fault Code 512 inactive? |
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| YES | NO |
| No Repair | No Repair |
Guided Step 3 – Check the ECM and engine harness.
| Guided Step 3A – Inspect the ECM and engine harness connector pins. | |
|---|---|
Conditions
ActionInspect the engine harness and ECM connector 1 pins for the following:
For general inspection techniques, refer to Component Connector and Pin Inspection, Procedure 019-361. |
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Dirty or damaged pins? |
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| YES | NO |
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A defective connection has been detected in the ECM connector 1 or the engine harness. Repair the damaged pins. Repair or replace the harness, whichever has the damaged pins. |
No Repair |
| Guided Step 3B – Check for a pin-to-pin short circuit in the engine harness. | |
|---|---|
Conditions
ActionCheck for a pin-to-pin short circuit.
Use to the circuit diagram or wiring diagram for connector pin identification. For general resistance measurement techniques, refer to Resistance Measurements Using a Multimeter and Wiring Diagram, Procedure 019-360 |
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Greater than 100k ohms? |
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| YES | NO |
| No Repair |
A pin-to-pin short circuit on the throttle actuator command supply line or position signal line has been detected in the engine harness. Repair or replace the engine harness. |
| Guided Step 3C – Check for an inactive fault code. | |
|---|---|
Conditions
ActionCheck for the appropriate circuit response after 30 seconds.
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Fault Code 512 inactive? |
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| YES | NO |
| No Repair |
Replace the ECM. Call for pre-authorization. Use to Procedure 019-031. |
Guided Step 4 – Clear the fault codes.
| Guided Step 4A – Disable the fault code. | |
|---|---|
Conditions
ActionDisable the fault code.
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Fault Code 512 inactive? |
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| YES | NO |
| No Repair |
Return to the troubleshooting steps or contact a local Cummins Authorized Repair location if all steps have been completed and rechecked. |
| Guided Step 4B – Clear the inactive fault codes. | |
|---|---|
Conditions
ActionClear the inactive fault codes.
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All fault codes cleared? |
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| YES | NO |
| No Repair |
Troubleshoot any remaining active fault codes. |
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Repair complete
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Appropriate troubleshooting steps
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CAUTION