GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 891172  Size: MF

Circuit Description

The engine idle speed is controlled by the idle air control (IAC) valve. The IAC valve is on the throttle body. The IAC valve pintle moves in and out of an idle air passage bore to control air flow around the throttle plate. The IAC valve consists of a movable pintle, driven by a gear attached to an electric motor called a stepper motor. The stepper motor is capable of highly accurate rotation, or of movement, called steps. The stepper motor has two separate windings that are called coils. Each coil is supplied current by two circuits from the engine control module (ECM). When the ECM changes polarity of a coil, the stepper motor moves one step. The ECM uses a predetermined number of counts to determine the IAC pintle position. Observe IAC counts with a scan tool. The IAC counts will increment up or down as the ECM attempts to change the IAC valve pintle position. An IAC reset will occur when the ignition key is turned OFF. First, the ECM will seat the IAC pintle in the idle air passage bore. Second, the ECM will retract the pintle a predetermined number of counts to allow for efficient engine start-up. If the ECM detects an IAC valve circuit fault, this DTC sets.

Conditions For Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • The Ignition 1 Signal parameter is between 9-18 volts.
    • The IAC valve has been commanded to move.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM detects an IAC valve circuit fault.
    • The above condition is present for 0.5 seconds while the ECM is attempting to operate the IAC valve.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • 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 non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Engine 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. 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. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions

3

Does the engine have a high idle condition?

Go to DTC P0507

Go to Step 4

4

Does the engine have a normal or low idle condition?

Go to DTC P0506

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