What Is the P2510 Code on Duramax & How to Fix It?

The Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are a standardized method to detect issues and narrow the search to track the exact problem within the engine. Is your Duramax engine showing a P2510 trouble code, and you don’t know how to deal with it?

Code P2510 means the Duramax engine has an issue within the Engine Control Module (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Power Relay Sense Circuit Range/Performance. An open or shorted ignition relay primarily causes it, but there can also be other issues as an assist.

Worry not if these seem new to you. Go through this article until the end to learn about the symptoms, causes, and how you can fix it effectively.

P2510 Code on Duramax

What Does the P2510 Code Mean on Duramax?

P2510 is a generic code. That means the power relay gives an atypical voltage to the ECM/PCM, which is incompatible with the manufacturer’s specification. Breaking down the code, we get something like what is stated below.

  • P = Powertrain, the system of components that propels your car forward.
  • 2 = Manufacturer’s specific generic number
  • 5 = Vehicle Idle Control System (Power Relay Circuit)
  • 10 = Specific fault index (ECM/PCM power relay sense circuit performance /range)

Due to an open or shorted ignition relay, the command from turning on or off doesn’t reach the relay. Damage in the circuitry of the power relay breaks the signal from ECM/PCM, and hence it cannot act when a command of turning on or Off is provided.

How Serious Is the P2510 Code On Duramax?

You will have difficulty starting your truck when the ignition relay fails to turn on or off. It makes the P2510 a severe issue for the Duramax engine. No power in the engine can get you completely stuck.

The worst thing if you keep the P2510 untreated is engine stalls on the road. You may have to tow your truck to the workshop from the spot. When the relay fails to close, the engine does not crank.

As a result, communication with the scanning tool may also fail. These have quite an impact on your engine and can assist in further damage to other components. That’s why it is recommended to treat P2510 as soon as it is diagnosed.

Read Also: How to Fix P2463 Code on Duramax? (Completely Explained)

What Causes The P2510 Code On Duramax?

If you have encountered P2510 in your Duramax, the major cause could be damage to the ECM/PCM power relay circuit.

It can happen in many ways. Besides, some other causes can also trigger P2510. The most probable reasons for Duramax to show P2510 are:

  • Defect in the power/ignition relay
  • Open or shorted power relay circuit
  • Damage in the power relay harness
  • Poor electrical connection within the circuit

Read Also: How to Fix P2610 Code On Duramax? (Complete Solutions)

How To Fix the P2510 Code On Duramax?

To fix P2510 in your Duramax, you must maintain a sequence starting from getting the freeze frame data. And it gradually goes to inspecting and repairing the relative components as required.

Step 01: Retrieving The Freeze Frame Data

The Duramax is an OBD-II compatible engine. Connect the OBD-II in the respective port. Generally, You will find the port below the dash. The location of OBD-Ii may vary in different trucks.

After connection, turn on the truck and run a complete scan to get the diagnostic trouble codes. The Engine Control Module is programmed to take a snapshot of data, such as the voltage of the sensors, whenever it encounters a DTC. This is known as the freeze frame data.

You can copy or note down the freeze frame data. It will be helpful to inspect different electrical components in the power relay circuit.

Step 02: Inspection and Replacing ECM/PCM Power/Ignition Relay

Inspection and Replacing ECM, PCM Power, Ignition Relay
Source: Lehew

The most common symptom of a bad ignition relay is unusual battery drain. If your car battery loses its charge abnormally, you can determine that the ignition relay is the root cause of P2510.

It is a small component with metallic connectors found mostly under the hood or behind the fuse box of the driver’s side. You would require a trim removal kit to get access to the relay.

Once you have your power relay in your hand, check out for physical damages to it. Nextly, test the relay continuity using a multimeter and a portable battery as an external power source.

If it fails the test, you need to replace the existing power relay with a compatible new one.

Step 03: Replacing the Ignition Fuse

The ignition fuse for Duramax is just adjacent to the relay box on the driver’s side. Check if the fuse is blown or doesn’t work properly. The probable solution is to replace the fuse with a new one as a blown is beyond repair.

Step 04: Inspecting the wire harness and connectors

Check for broken, corroded wires coming to the power relay or ignition fuse. Reconnect and repair the wiring harness and try to start over your truck. Reset the codes in the OBD-II and check if the P2510 returns.

Step 05: Replacing The ECM

Replacing The ECM
Source: HP Tuners

The ECM can be faulty specific to the power relay in the Duramax. Repairing or replacing an onboard ECM is a very sensitive and complex procedure. That is why it is recommended to be handled by a professional mechanic or an engineer.

Read Also: How to Fix U0101 Code on Duramax? (Complete Solutions)

Other Symptoms Of Getting P2510 Code On Duramax

The prime symptom of Duramax diagnosed with DTC P2510 is hard to crank the engine. Sometimes the engine may not even turn over no matter what you do. Some other symptoms can also be used to identify the P2510 in Duramax. These are:

  • Check Engine Light will be illuminated.
  • The engine may not turn On or off from its respective opposite state.
  • OBD-II scanner port fails to contact the ECM

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Duramax P2510 Code?

The mechanic may charge you $75 to $150 per hour for an initial diagnosis. The price may vary depending upon the workshop location and type.

With that, you need to pay for buying new components such as the ignition relay, ECM, wirings, etc., to replace the old ones. An ignition relay costs $5 to $50. On the other hand, an ECM for Duramax can cost you over $500.

Read Also: How to Fix P01F0 Code On Duramax? (Complete Solutions)

Can You Drive Your Duramax With Code P2510?

If your Duramax engine truck shows P2510, then it is better not o drive it. The engine itself may not crank due to power relay circuit failure. It means you cannot drive the vehicle firsthand as it won’t get started.

But considering you are commuting and the engine faces P2510, it will be harder to turn off the engine by normal means. So, get your truck to a certified mechanic as soon as possible to get rid of P2510.

Conclusion

The DTC P2150 is a severe issue for your Duramax engine as it completely halts the ignition system. It means you are deprived of driving your truck unless you fix the problem.

It can be annoying if you are a daily user of the truck for commuting and traveling. Now that you know and understand all the problem causes, symptoms, and fixes, the information will assist you in removing the P2150 code.

We hope this article has been informative for you and helps you get your Duramax up and running smoothly as before.

Read Also: How to Fix P2263 Code on Duramax? (Completely Explained)

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