Blown fuse in the backup power feed circuit to the PCM; Corroded, loose, or damaged battery positive terminal or ground connection at the battery; Open or high-resistance wire in the backup power circuit between the battery and PCM; Faulty ignition switch or related relay that interrupts the backup feed; Internal PCM fault causing excessive current draw or loss of memory retention; Weak or failing vehicle battery that drops below the PCM's minimum keep-alive voltage

DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1510

P1510 · ChryslerBack UP Power Supply

Q: What does code P1510 mean?

Back UP Power Supply. P1510 on a Chrysler vehicle indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a fault in the backup power supply circuit, which is the dedicated memory keep-alive feed that preserves adaptive learning and diagnostic data when the ignition is off. The PCM monitors this circuit and sets the code when voltage on the backup power input falls outside the expected range or is lost entirely.

P1510 on a Chrysler vehicle indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a fault in the backup power supply circuit, which is the dedicated memory keep-alive feed that preserves adaptive learning and diagnostic data when the ignition is off. The PCM monitors this circuit and sets the code when voltage on the backup power input falls outside the expected range or is lost entirely.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeChrysler specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon light, often with no other obvious symptoms
PCM loses adaptive memory and idle quality or shift feel may change after each key-off cycle
Radio presets, clock, and other memory functions may reset if the same backup feed is shared
Intermittent no-start or long crank after the vehicle sits, especially in cold weather
Other unrelated codes stored in multiple modules due to low voltage on the keep-alive circuit

Common causes, most likely first

Blown fuse in the backup power feed circuit to the PCM
Corroded, loose, or damaged battery positive terminal or ground connection at the battery
Open or high-resistance wire in the backup power circuit between the battery and PCM
Faulty ignition switch or related relay that interrupts the backup feed
Internal PCM fault causing excessive current draw or loss of memory retention
Weak or failing vehicle battery that drops below the PCM's minimum keep-alive voltage

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify battery state of charge and load-test the battery; replace if it fails
Check and clean battery terminals and grounds, then clear the code and retest
Locate and test the backup power fuse for the PCM; replace if blown and recheck for repeat failure
Perform a voltage drop test on the backup power circuit from the battery to the PCM connector
Inspect the ignition switch and related relays for intermittent operation and replace as needed
If all external circuits test good, substitute a known-good PCM or perform a bench test to confirm internal fault
After repair, clear codes and verify the backup power circuit retains voltage with the key off

Backup power faults that mimic PCM failure

A weak battery that still starts the engine can drop below the PCM's keep-alive threshold during cranking, setting P1510 without any no-start complaint.
Corrosion inside the battery cable itself, hidden under intact insulation, often causes voltage drops that only appear under load and are missed by a simple voltage check.
Technicians sometimes replace the PCM when the real fault is a chafed backup power wire in the harness near the battery tray or firewall.
P1510 can be stored alongside communication codes in other modules because a shared backup feed also powers memory circuits in the body control module and radio.
Aftermarket alarm or remote start installations frequently tap into the backup power circuit and introduce intermittent opens that set this code.

Can I keep driving with P1510?

The vehicle will usually start and run, but the PCM may lose adaptive memory and idle or shift quality can degrade, so avoid long trips and get the circuit checked soon. If the engine cranks but does not start, stop driving and repair the backup power feed before continuing.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.