GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 52282  Size: SF
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Components
Valve Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The VCM controls the idle speed with an Idle Air Control (IAC) valve to a calculated desired RPM based on the sensor inputs and the actual engine RPM. The VCM uses 4 circuits in order to move an Idle Air Control (IAC) valve, allowing a varying amount of air flow into the intake manifold.

In order to increase the idle RPM, the VCM moves the IAC valve out, allowing more air to bypass the throttle plate. In order to decrease the RPM, the VCM moves the IAC valve in, reducing the amount of air bypassing the throttle plate. A scan tool reads the VCM commands to the IAC valve in counts. The higher the counts, the more air is allowed to bypass the throttle plate (higher idle). The lower the counts, the less air that is allowed to bypass the throttle plates (lower idle). This DTC is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • There are no TP sensor DTCs
    • There are no ECT DTCs
    • The ECT is greater than 50°C
    • The IAT is greater than -25°C
    • The Baro is greater than 70 kPa
    • The VSS is less than 2 mph
    • There are no VSS DTCs
    • There are no MAP DTCs
    • The system voltage is greater than 10 volts but less than 16 volts
    • The engine run time is greater than 30 seconds
    • The TP is less than 1%
    • The vehicle speed is less than 2 mph
    • The above met for a time greater than 3 seconds in order to enable the diagnostic
    • The change in the MAF is less than 3 g/s

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The VCM turns the MIL ON after 2 consecutive driving cycles with the fault active.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The VCM turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive driving trips without a fault condition present. A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles (the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the start-up coolant temperature and the engine coolant temperature exceeds 71°C (160°F) during that same ignition cycle) or the scan tool clearing feature has been used.

Diagnostic Aids

The following items could cause this DTC:

    • An IAC valve which is stopped and cannot respond to the VCM
    • A throttle stop screw which has been tampered with
    • A damaged throttle or linkage

A slow, unstable, or fast idle may be caused by a non - IAC valve system problem that cannot be overcome by the IAC valve. tHE Out of range control IAC scan tool counts will read above 60 if the idle is too low and zero if the idle is too high. Check for the following:

    • If the fuel system is too lean and rich
    • The throttle body - inspect the bore for foreign material
    • Refer to Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling .
    • If the IAC reset is done with the scan tool misc. functions mode.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and the Failure Records for reference. This data will be lost when the Clear Info function is used.

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

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Install the scan tool.

Are there any other DTCs set?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Step 3

3

Is the DTC P0506 active during this ignition cycle?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

This DTC is an intermittent. Refer to the Diagnostic Aids.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 6

--

5

The problem is engine mechanical related. Refer to Engine Mechanical.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

6

  1. Use the scan tool in order to select the DTC and the Clear Info.
  2. Start the Engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the normal operating temperature is reached.
  4. Select the DTC and the Specific.
  5. Enter the DTC number which was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

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

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 2

7

Use the scan tool in order to display the Capture Info and the Review Info.

Are there any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK