GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 50800  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
IAC, EVAP Valve Controls, and Brake Switch Input w/ A/T
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the air entering into the engine with an idle control (IAC) valve. In order to increase the idle RPM, the PCM commands the pintle inside the IAC valve away from the throttle body seat. This allows more air to bypass through the throttle blade. In order to decrease the RPM the PCM commands the pintle towards the throttle body seat. This reduces the amount of air bypassing the throttle blade. A scan tool will read the IAC valve pintle position in counts. The higher the counts, the more air that is allowed to bypass the throttle blade.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0105, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0200, P0335, P0341, P0342, P0440, P0442, P0446, P0480, P0502, P0503, P0601, P0602, P1133, and P1441 not set
    • BARO is more than 72 kPa.
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 40°C (104°F).
    • Engine has been running more than 20 seconds.
    • Throttle position (TP) angle is less than 1 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Engine RPM is below desired RPM by more than 100 RPM for 19 seconds.
    • IAC command is more than 145 counts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if a failure is detected during 2 consecutive key cycles.
    • The control module sets the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic failed. The failure information is stored in the scan tools Freeze Frame and Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has Run and Passed
    • A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle.
    • Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the IAC valve electrical connection for proper mating.
    • Inspect the wiring harness for damage.
    • Inspect the throttle stop screw for signs of tampering.
    • Inspect the throttle linkage for signs of binding or excessive wear.
    • A slow or unstable idle may be the cause of one of the following conditions:
       - Fuel system to rich or to lean
       - Foreign material in the throttle body bore or in the air induction system
       - A leaking or restricted intake manifold
       - An excessive engine overloading: Inspect for seized pulleys, pumps, or motors on the accessory drive.
       - Too high a viscosity engine oil
    • Refer to Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling .

Test Description

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

  1. A normally operating IAC system will be able to be extended and retracted by a scan tool and change the engine idle RPM. The valve movement is verified by an engine RPM change.

  2. If the scan tool was able to command the IAC valve smoothly, a malfunction may still exist internally within the IAC valve. You can check this by checking the internal resistance of the IAC valve.

  3. The IAC circuits always have pairs of ground or voltage signals. If the test lamp illuminates on more or less than two terminals, one of the circuits is shorted to voltage or open.

  4. The IAC circuits always have ground or voltage signals on them in pairs. If the test lamp illuminates on more or less than two terminals, one of the circuits is shorted to ground or open.

  5. The IAC circuits are constantly switched between ground and voltage. The test lamp should blink on all circuits when it is connected to a ground.

  6. A test lamp that remains ON constantly indicates that the circuit is shorted to the voltage.

  7. Thoroughly inspect any suspected circuitry for the following conditions:

  8. • Backed-out terminals
    • Improper mating
    • Broken locks
    • Improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Faulty terminal-to-wire connections
    • Physical damage to the wiring harness
  9. The replacement PCM must be programmed, and the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure must be performed.

  10. If no malfunctions have been present at this point and no additional DTCs were set, refer to Diagnostic Aids for additional checks and information.

DTC P0506 Idle Air Control (IAC) System Low RPM

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  4. With the parking brake set, shift the transmission into P or N.
  5. Verify that the A/C is OFF.
  6. Command the IAC valve up and down between the specified values.

Does the engine RPM change smoothly when the engine is commanded by the scan tool?

900-2,000 RPM

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the IAC valve electrical connector.
  3. Measure the resistance across the IAC valve electrical connector terminals A and B with a DMM.
  4. Measure the resistance across the IAC electrical connector terminals C and D with a DMM.

Are the resistances across terminals A and B and terminals C and D within the specified value?

40-80 ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 13

4

  1. Measure the resistance across the IAC valve electrical connector terminals B and C with a DMM.
  2. Measure the resistance across the IAC electrical connector terminals A and D with a DMM.

Are the resistances across terminals B and C and terminals A and D infinite?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the IAC valve electrical connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp to a ground.
  5. Probe the IAC electrical connector terminals.

Does the test lamp illuminate on 2 terminals?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6

  1. Connect a test lamp to B+.
  2. Probe the IAC harness electrical connector terminals.

Does the test lamp illuminate on 2 terminals?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Idle the engine.
  3. Connect a test lamp to a ground.
  4. Probe the IAC harness electrical connector terminals.
  5. Raise and lower the engine RPM by moving the throttle.

Does the test lamp flash ON and OFF for all terminals?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Did the test lamp remain ON constantly for the terminals that did not blink?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Check for the following conditions in the IAC valve high and low circuits:
  3. • An open circuit
    • A short to ground
  4. Repair the circuits as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 11

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Check for the following conditions IAC valve high and low circuits:
  3. • An open circuit
    • A short to voltage
    • A short to ground
  4. Repair the circuits as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Check the PCM electrical connector for faulty electrical connections.
  2. Repair the electrical connector as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

12

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Inspect the following conditions in the IAC valve passages.
  3. • Obstructions
    • Excessive deposits in the throttle body
    • Throttle body tampering

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

13

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Check for a faulty terminal connection at the IAC electrical connector.
  3. Repair the connections as necessary Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 14

14

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15

Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic has run and passed?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 2

17

Check to see if any additional DTCs are set.

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

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type

System OK