Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis. Pontiac Vibe

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2004 🢒 Vibe - AWD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 1.8L (LV6) 🢒 Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the idle air control (IAC) valve in order to regulate the air flow through the idle air bypass passage. The amount of air flowing through the idle air bypass passage determines the idle speed. The PCM directs the IAC valve according to changes in engine load. A stalling or poor idle concern could be caused by an IAC valve that is not operating properly.

Diagnostic Aids

Any condition that can affect engine performance at idle, can affect the performance of the IAC system. A careful visual and/or physical inspection of the engine is necessary when the scan tool indicates that the engine speed or the IAC Motor Command readings are out of range.

An intermittent IAC system concern may be caused by poor electrical connections in the IAC valve circuits. Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing an intermittent condition. Refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

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

A Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

This step tests whether the PCM can operate the IAC valve with the scan tool. The IAC valve can be commanded to increase and/or decrease engine speed by using the scan tool RPM Control function. Remember to clear any DTCs and run the engine until the engine reaches a normal operating temperature before attempting RPM Control with the scan tool.

This step checks the operation of both electrical load idle-up circuits. If there is no increase in the IAC Motor Command percentage when the electrical accessory is turned ON, the idle-up circuit may be inoperative or always ON.

This step checks the operation of the A/C idle-up circuit. If there is no increase in the IAC Motor Command percentage when the A/C compressor is engaged, the idle-up circuit may be inoperative or always ON.

This step simulates the pulse width modulated (PWM) signal supplied to the IAC valve by the PCM by rapidly grounding and un-grounding terminal 1 of the IAC valve.

The most likely cause of no ignition positive voltage is an open circuit condition between the IAC valve connector terminal 2 and the splice. A shorted or inoperative EFI relay circuit will cause a no-start condition.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Did you perform A Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

Is there a DTC P0505 set?

Go to DTC P0505

Go to Step 3

Start the engine.
Run the engine until a normal operating temperature of at least 80°C (174°F) is achieved.
Allow the engine to idle for at least 15 minutes after reaching operating temperatures.
Operate the engine at 2,500 RPM for 90 seconds.
Release the throttle and wait 30 seconds while the engine idle stabilizes.
Observe the Engine Speed and the IAC Motor Command parameters on the scan tool with the transmission in Park or Neutral.

Are the Engine Speed and the IAC Motor Command within the specified ranges?

650-750 RPM A/T / 650-750 RPM M/T

27-43% IAC Motor Command

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

Operate the engine at a normal operating temperature.
Select RPM Control, under IAC System, in the Special Functions menu of the scan tool.
Command the IAC valve to increase and decrease the engine speed with the scan tool.

Did the engine speed increase and decrease as commanded by the scan tool?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

Start the engine.
Place the transmission in Park or Neutral.
Operate the following accessories, one at a time, while observing the Engine Speed and the IAC Motor Command parameters on the scan tool:

•	Turn ON the headlights.

•	Turn ON the rear window defogger, if equipped.

Did the IAC Motor Command increase within the specified range?

1-3% IAC Motor Command

Go to Step 6

Go to Electrical/Accessory Load Idle-Up Signal Diagnosis

Turn ON the HVAC blower motor and the air conditioning, if equipped.

Did the IAC Motor Command increase within the specified range?

4-14% IAC Motor Command

Go to Step 7

Go to Electrical/Accessory Load Idle-Up Signal Diagnosis

Turn OFF all accessories.
Turn the steering wheel to the right and to the left.
Return the steering wheel to the center, straight ahead position.

Did the IAC Motor Command increase within the specified range, when the steering wheel was turned all the way in either direction?

2-10% IAC Motor Command

Go to Step 16

Go to Electrical/Accessory Load Idle-Up Signal Diagnosis

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the IAC valve electrical connector.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Using a test lamp connected to ground, probe terminal 2 of the IAC valve connector on the harness side.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 12

Using a test lamp connected to B+, probe terminal 3 of the IAC valve connector .

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 13

Turn OFF the ignition.
Jump terminal 2 of the IAC valve connector on the harness side to terminal 2 of the IAC valve connector with a fused jumper wire.
Jump terminal 3 of the IAC valve connector on the harness side to terminal 3 of the IAC valve connector with a fused jumper wire.
Connect a fused jumper wire to terminal 1 of the IAC valve--not the harness. Insulate the terminal 1 jumper from contact to ground.
Start and idle the engine.
With the engine idling, repeatedly touch the terminal 1 jumper to battery ground with a rapid ON-OFF motion.

Does engine speed increase as the terminal 1 jumper is rapidly grounded ON and OFF?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 14

Turn OFF the ignition.
Remove all jumpers.
Disconnect the PCM connector containing the IAC valve open control circuit.
Check terminal 1 of the IAC valve open control circuit for a grounded, open, or shorted to voltage circuit.
Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a circuit repair made?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

Locate the cause of no power to the IAC valve connector. Refer to the Test Description.
Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Repair the open IAC valve ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Important: The IAC valve seals the coolant passage of the throttle body.

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

Is the replacement complete?

Go to Step 17

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 17

Turn OFF all accessories.
Ensure that the engine is operating at a normal temperature.
Observe the Engine Speed and the IAC Motor Command parameters on the scan tool with the transmission in Park or Neutral.

Are the Engine Speed and the IAC Motor Command within the specified ranges?

650-750 RPM A/T / 650-750 RPM M/T

27-43% IAC Motor Command

System OK

Go to Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

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

Are any DTCs displayed on the scan tool?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 2

Operate the vehicle within the conditions in which the customer concern was first noticed.

Is the concern still present?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK