GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 21649  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
AIR and IAC
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Idle Air Control valve is a PCM controlled stepper motor located on the throttle body. The stepper motor drives a valve pintle which protrudes into a passage that bypasses the throttle plates. To decrease idle speed, the PCM commands the IAC valve pintle to extend. As the pintle approaches it's seat, bypass air flow is reduced and idle speed decreases. To increase idle speed, the PCM retracts the IAC valve pintle away from its seat, allowing more air to bypass the throttle plates. One of the PCMs uses for the IAC system is to maintain a desired idle speed, which can vary depending on input to the PCM and other criteria. If the PCM detects engine speed is outside the IAC systems range of control at idle, it will perform an active test while the vehicle is being driven. During this test the PCM commands the IAC valve to move while monitoring MAF. If the expected change in MAF is detected, IAC valve operation is verified. Since idle RPM was out of IAC System control and the IAC valve is operational, DTC P0507 is set. If no change in MAF were to occur, it would be determined that the IAC valve is not functional. If idle RPM was out of IAC System control and the IAC valve did not operate, DTC P1509 would be set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0122, P0123, P0174, P0175, P0300, P0325 not set.
    • Engine running for at least 25 seconds.
    • Coolant temperature greater than 60°C (140°F)
    • IAT greater than -10°C (14°F)
    • Baro greater than 77 kPa
    • System voltage between 10 and 17 volts
    • Vehicle speed less than 1 mph
    • Throttle Angle 0%
    • Idle speed below desired RPM
    • Conditions met for 1 sec

Then

    • Vehicle speed is between 20 and 77 mph.
    • MAF between 13 and 35 gm/s
    • TP Sensor steady
    • RPM steady
    • Conditions met for 5 seconds

The active test will then be performed.

    • If a 6 gm/s change in MAF is detected, DTC P0507 will be set.
    • If a 6 gm/s change in MAF is not detected, DTC P1509 will be set.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive drive trip that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, this information will be stored in Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive drive trip, the operating conditions at the time of failure will be written to Freeze Frame and the Failure record will be updated.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn the MIL OFF after three consecutive drive trips that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A last test failed (Current DTC) will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A History DTC will clear after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • PCM battery voltage is interrupted.
    • Using a Scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If the DTC cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can be useful in determining how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also be used to determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that were noted. This will isolate when the DTC failed. For intermittents, refer to Symptoms .

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Determines whether or not the engine can achieve the commanded RPM, and if not, whether the RPM is too high or too low.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Using a scan tool, command RPM up to 1500, down to 500 up to 1500 and then EXIT.

Does the engine speed correspond (within 50 RPM) with each command?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

Is Engine RPM too high (greater than 50 RPM above Desired RPM)?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Check for the following conditions:

    • Vacuum leaks.
    • Throttle plates not closing properly.
    • Faulty PCV valve.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 6

--

5

Check for the following conditions:

    • Excessive deposits in throttle body.
    • Parasitic load on engine (ie: transmission problem etc.).

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 6

--

6

  1. Using the scan tool, select DTC, Clear Info.
  2. Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. Select DTC, Specific, then enter the DTC number which was set.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 2

7

Using the scan tool, select Capture Info, Review Info.

Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK