DTC P0506 Idle Speed Low. Chevrolet Malibu 1999

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1999 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.1L 🢒 DTC P0506 Idle Speed Low

Engine Controls Components
Cell 21: EVAP and EGR Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The PCM controls engine idle speed by adjusting the position of the Idle Air Control (IAC) motor pintle. The IAC is a bi-directional motor driven by two coils. The PCM applies current to the IAC coils in pulses (counts) to extend the IAC pintle into a passage in the throttle body to decrease air flow. The PCM reverses the current to retract the pintle, increasing air flow. This method allows highly accurate control of idle speed and quick response to changes in engine load. If the PCM detects a condition where too low of an idle speed is present and the PCM is unable to adjust idle speed by increasing the IAC counts, DTC P0506 will set indicating a problem with the idle control system.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	No active TP, ECT, MAP, IAT, MAF, CKP, sensor, EVAP, misfire, EGR, VSS, Fuel Trim, injector circuit, DTCs active.

•	Engine Coolant Temperature is above 70°C (158°F).

•	The engine has been running for at least 2 minutes.

•	System voltage is between 9.0-16.0 volts.

•	Vehicle Speed is less than 3 mph.

•	Intake Air Temperature is above -18°C (0°F).

•	The throttle is closed

•	BARO above 65 kPa.

•	Engine run time is greater than 2 minutes.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

•	Engine Speed is more than 100 RPM lower than Desired Idle.

•	The above condition for more than 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.

•	The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

•	The PCM will turn OFF the MIL during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.

•	The History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

•	The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

•	Poor connection at PCM or IAC motor. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis and Connector Repairs .

•	Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

•	Restricted air intake system. Check for a possible collapsed air intake duct, restricted air filter element, or foreign objects blocking the air intake system.

•	Throttle body. Check for objects blocking the IAC passage or throttle bore, excessive deposits in the IAC passage and on the IAC pintle, and excessive deposits in the throttle bore and on the throttle plate.

•	Large vacuum leak. Check for a condition that causes a large vacuum leak, such as a incorrectly installed or faulty PCV valve or brake booster hose disconnected.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

Test Description

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

This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

Was the Powertrain OBD System Check performed?

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Are any other DTCs set?

Go to other DTC first

Go to Step 3

Start the engine.
Turn all accessories OFF (A/C, Rear defroster etc.).
Using a scan tool, command RPM up to 1500, down to 650, and then up to 1500 while monitoring Engine Speed on the scan tool.

Does Engine Speed remain within the specified value of Desired Idle for each RPM command?

±50 RPM

Go to Diagnostic Aids.

Go to Step 4

Disconnect the IAC.
Install J 37027-A IAC System Motor Analyzer.
With the engine running, command RPM up to 1500, down to, and then up to 1500 while observing the J 37027-A IAC System Motor Analyzer.

Does each node light cycle red and green (never OFF)?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

Check the following circuits for an open, short to voltage, or short to ground:

•	IAC A Low.

•	IAC A High.

•	IAC B Low.

•	IAC B High.

If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

Visually/physically inspect for the following conditions:

•	Throttle body tampering. (Throttle lever stop screw turned).

•	Restricted air intake system. Check for a possible collapsed air intake duct, restricted air filter element, or foreign objects blocking the air intake system.

•	Remove the IAC Valve. Refer to IAC Valve Replacement .

•	Check for objects blocking the IAC passage or throttle bore, excessive deposits in the IAC passage and on the IAC pintle, and excessive deposits in the throttle bore and on the throttle plate.

Does any of the above require a repair?

Go to appropriate section for on-vehicle service

Go to Step 7

Check for a poor connection at the IAC harness connector.
If a problem is found, replace faulty terminals as necessary. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

Replace IAC valve. Refer to IAC Valve Replacement .

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 11

Check for a poor connection at the PCM harness connector.
If a problem is found, replace faulty terminals as necessary. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

Important: : Replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 11

Start the engine.
Turn all of the accessories OFF (A/C, Rear defroster etc.).
Using a scan tool, command RPM up to 1500, down to 650, and then up to 1500 while monitoring Engine Speed on the scan tool.

Does Engine Speed remain within the specified value of Desired Idle for each RPM command?

±50 RPM

System OK

Go to Step 2