P2511 indicates an intermittent fault in the power relay sense circuit that controls the electronic throttle (ECM/PCM). The PCM detects a loss of voltage or a fluctuating signal from the relay that supplies power to the throttle actuator.
The relay that supplies voltage to the electronic throttle can develop intermittent contacts, causing the sense circuit to drop out.
Oxidation, frayed wires, or loose connector pins in the relay sense circuit can create intermittent voltage loss.
A failing ground strap or a damaged power supply fuse/relay upstream can cause intermittent voltage to the throttle.
While not the primary cause, a failing TPS can confuse the PCM and mimic a sense circuit interruption.
Only after ruling out hardware issues should a PCM internal failure be considered, as it is rarely the root cause.
In most cases no. The PCM is rarely the problem; replacing it without confirming a hardware fault usually does not resolve the code.
The code may clear temporarily if the intermittent condition does not reappear, but it will return once the underlying fault recurs.
No. The throttle power relay is a separate component that specifically controls voltage to the electronic throttle actuator.
A digital multimeter and a scan tool capable of reading live data are sufficient to check voltage and monitor the code status.