GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0506: Idle Speed Low

DTC P0507: Idle Speed High

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) adjusts the fuel delivery in order to control crankshaft speed at idle. The ECM monitors the engine speed and will detect an out of range idle speed for the amount of fuel that is delivered.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0016, P0117, P0118, P0335, or P0336 are not set.
    • The engine is running at idle.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is greater than 50°C (122°F).
    • The accelerator pedal position (APP) angle is 0 percent.
    • These DTCs run continuously.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0506

The ECM detects the actual idle speed is at least 100 RPM below the desired idle speed for greater than 19 seconds.

P0507

The ECM detects the actual idle speed is at least 200 RPM above the desired idle speed for greater than 19 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0506 and P0507 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0506 and P0507 are Type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for any of the following conditions:

    • A crankcase overfill can cause oil to be forced through the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system.
    • An outside source that has allowed oil or fuel to enter the air induction system.
    • An aftermarket performance kit using an external fuel source.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End Views

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify that DTCs are not set. If DTCs are set refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  2. If DTCs are set refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  3. Engine running, compare the scan tool Desired Idle Speed parameter to the Engine Speed parameter. Both engine speed parameters should be within 50 RPM of each other.
  4. Elevate the engine speed in 25 RPM increments to 1,300 RPM using a scan tool. With each commanded increment, the actual Engine Speed parameter should stay within 25 RPM of the commanded speed.
  5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify that the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: You must perform Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.

  1. Attempt to start the engine.
  2. If the engine does not start refer to Engine Cranks But Does Not Run .
  3. Inspect for mechanical conditions that can limit engine speed.
  4. If any abnormal conditions are present, refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.