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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Chevy Suburban - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L 🢒 DTC P0506

DTC P0506 w/ Electronic Throttle Control

Circuit Description

The electronic throttle control (ETC) system uses various inputs from the powertrain control module (PCM). This system uses the inputs in order to control the idle speed through serial data circuits to the throttle actuator control (TAC) module. The DC motor, which is located on the throttle body, activates the throttle plate. In order to decrease idle speed, the TAC module commands the throttle closed reducing air flow into the engine and the idle speed decreases. In order to increase the idle speed, the TAC module commands the throttle plate open allowing more air in order to bypass the throttle plate. If the actual idle RPM does not match the desired idle RPM within a calibrated time, this DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • DTCs P0101-P0103, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0125, P0171, P0172, P0174, P0175, P0200, P0300, P0440, P0442, P0443, P0500, P0502, P0503, P1120, P1220, P1221, or P1441 are not set.
    • The engine is running for greater than 60 seconds.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is greater than 60°C (140°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is greater than -10°C (+14°F).
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is greater than 65 kPa.
    • The system voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • The vehicle speed is less than 1.7 km/h (1 mph).
    • The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor is at 0 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The actual idle speed is 100 RPM less than the desired idle speed.
    • All of the above conditions are present for 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This test determines if the engine can achieve the commanded RPM.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Component Views or Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Set the park brake, and block the drive wheels.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Turn OFF all accessories.
  4. With the RPM control function of the scan tool, command the engine RPM to 1,500 RPM, to 500 RPM, and back to 1,500 RPM.
  5. Exit the RPM Control function.

Did the engine speed stay within 100 RPM of the commanded RPM during the above test?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3
  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. In order to operate the vehicle under the conditions which set the DTC, use the following information:
    4. • The data in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records
    • The parameters listed in the Conditions for Running in the DTC

Does the DTC set?

Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • Deposits in the throttle body
    • Objects which are blocking the air intake system
    • Energy-draining load on the engine, such as transmission conditions

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 5

--

5
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 2

6

With a scan tool review the stored information in Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK

DTC P0506 w/o Electronic Throttle Control

Circuit Description

The idle air control (IAC) valve is located in the throttle body of both sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI) and multi-port fuel injection (MFI) systems. The IAC valve consists of a movable pintle, driven by a gear attached to an electric motor, which is called a stepper motor. The IAC valve motor is a 2 phase bi-polar permanent magnet stepper motor that is capable of highly accurate rotation, or movement, every time the polarity of a winding is changed. This change in polarity can be seen when observing a test lamp connected between ground or B+ and an IAC valve circuit while the powertrain control module (PCM) is attempting to change engine RPM. The test lamp will flash ON or OFF each time the polarity is changed.

The PCM does not use a physical sensor to determine IAC pintle position. The PCM uses a predicted number of counts, 1 count represents 1 change in polarity which equals 1 step of the stepper motor. The PCM counts the steps that have been commanded to determine IAC pintle position. The PCM uses the IAC valve to control engine idle speed by changing the pintle position in the idle air passage of the throttle body. This varies the air flow around the throttle plate when the throttle is closed.

To determine the desired position of the IAC pintle at idle or during deceleration, the PCM refers to the following inputs:

    •  Engine RPM
    •  Battery voltage
    • Air temperature
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT)
    • Throttle position sensor angle
    • Engine load
    • Vehicle speed

When the ignition key is turned OFF after an ignition cycle, the PCM will first seat the IAC pintle in the air bypass bore. Next, the PCM will retract the pintle a predetermined amount of counts. This retraction allows the proper amount of air to bypass the throttle plate in order for the engine to start-up. This procedure is known as an IAC Reset.

Conditions For Running the DTC
    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0128, P0171, P0172, P0174, P0175, P0200, P0300, P0401, P0404, P0405, P0440, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P1111, P1112, P1114, P1115, P1121, P1122, P1380, P1381, P1404, or P1441 are not set.
    • The engine run time is greater than 60 seconds.
    • The ECT is greater than 60°C (140°F).
    • The IAT is greater than -10°C (+14°F).
    • The throttle position (TP) sensor is less than 0.7 percent.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is greater than 65 kPa.
    • The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is less than 1.6 km/h (1 mph).
    • The ignition volute between 9 volts and 18 volts.
    • The above conditions are present for 2 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The actual engine speed is 100 RPM less than the desired engine speed.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions:

    •  Restricted air intake system
    • Proper operation and installation of all of the air intake components, including the following:
       - Collapsed, clogged, or loose air intake ducts
       - Clogged air filter
       - Proper operation of the mass airflow (MAF) sensor, if equipped
    • A tampered with or damaged throttle stop screw
    • A tampered with or damaged throttle plate, throttle shaft, or throttle linkage
    • Objects blocking the IAC passage or throttle bore
    • Excess deposits in the IAC passage or on the IAC pintle
    • Excess deposits in the throttle bore or on the throttle plate
    • Vacuum leaks
    • A low or unstable idle condition could be caused by a non-IAC system problem that can not be overcome by the IAC valve--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls .

If conditions are intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This test will determine the ability of the engine controller and IAC valve circuits to control the IAC valve.

    2.

  2. This test will determine the ability of the PCM to provide the IAC circuits with a ground. On a normally operating system, the test lamp should not flash while the IAC counts are incrementing.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

    Important: Verify that the engine speed stabilizes with each commanded RPM change in order to determine if engine speed stays within 50 RPM of the commanded RPM.

  1. Set the parking brake and block the drive wheels.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Turn OFF all accessories.
  5. Use the scan tool RPM control function in order to slowly increment engine speed to the following RPMs:
    6. • 1,800 RPM
    • 600 RPM
    • 1,800 RPM
  6. Exit the RPM control function.

Does the engine speed stabilize within 50 RPM of the commanded RPM during the above test?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3
  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, or within the conditions of the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Does the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the IAC valve
  3. Connect an IAC motor driver J 37027-A to the IAC valve.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. Use the IAC motor driver in order to command the IAC valve IN until near 600 RPM is reached.
  6. Use the IAC motor driver in order to command the IAC valve OUT until near 1,800 RPM is reached.
  7. Return engine speed to desired idle as indicated on the scan tool data list.

Did the engine speed steadily decrease to near 600 RPM and steadily increase to near 1,800 RPM when the IAC valve was commanded in and out?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 10

5

  1. With a test lamp connected to ground, probe one of the IAC valve circuits at the IAC valve harness connector using the J 35616 Connector Test Adaptor Kit .
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Use the IAC motor driver in order to command low RPM while observing a scan tool until the IAC counts start to increment.
  4. Use the IAC motor driver in order to command high RPM while observing a scan tool until the IAC counts start to increment.
  5. While the IAC counts are incrementing, observe the test lamp.
  6. Return engine idle speed to desired idle as indicated on the scan tool data list.
  7. Repeat the above procedure for the other three IAC valve circuits.

Did the test lamp remain ON, never flashing, while the IAC counts were incrementing at any of the IAC valve circuits during the above test?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Did the test lamp remain OFF, never flashing, while the IAC counts were incrementing at any of the IAC valve circuits during the above test?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Connect a test lamp between the IAC coil A low circuit and the IAC coil A high circuit at the IAC valve harness connector using the J 35616 .
  2. Use the IAC motor driver in order to command low RPM while observing a scan tool until the IAC counts start to increment.
  3. Use the IAC motor driver in order to command high RPM while observing a scan tool until the IAC counts start to increment.
  4. While the IAC counts are incrementing, observe the test lamp.
  5. Return engine idle speed to desired idle as indicated on the scan tool data list.
  6. Repeat the above procedure with the test lamp connected between the IAC coil B low circuit and the IAC coil B high circuit at the IAC valve harness connector.
  7. Return engine speed to the desired idle as indicated on the scan tool data list.

Did the test lamp stay illuminated, never flashing, while the IAC counts were incrementing during the above test?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 14

8
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM harness connectors.
  3. With a DMM, test for an open or short to ground on the IAC valve circuit where the test lamp remained OFF. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 11

9
  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. With a DMM, test for a short to voltage on the IAC valve circuit where the test lamp remained illuminated. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 11

10
  1. Visually and physically inspect for the following conditions:
    2. • Evidence of throttle body damage and tampering
    • Evidence of throttle lever screw tampering, if equipped
    • Restricted air intake system--Inspect the following component:
       - The air intake duct for a possible collapsed or clogged duct
       - Before and after the air filter element for restrictions
       - The throttle body intake screen, if equipped, for restrictions
  2. Remove the IAC valve. Refer to Idle Air Control Valve Replacement .
  3. Inspect for the following conditions:
    4. • A clogged IAC passage
    • Excess deposits on the throttle plate
    • Excess deposits in the throttle bore
    • Excess deposits on IAC valve pintle
  4. Repair any of the above conditions as necessary. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to step 12

11

Inspect for a poor connection at the PCM harness connectors. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

12

Inspect for a poor connection at the IAC Valve harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

13

Replace the IAC valve. Refer to Idle Air Control Valve Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

--

15
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 2

16

With a scan tool, observe the stored information in Capture info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK