GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 50800  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
IAC Valve, Generator, TR, Oil and Coolant Switches
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 air control (IAC) valve. To increase the idle RPM, the PCM commands the pintle inside of the IAC valve away from the throttle body seat. This allows more air to bypass through the throttle blade. 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 greater the airflow that bypasses the throttle blade.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • DTCs P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0200, P0335, P0341, P0342, P0401, P0404, P0405, P0440, P0442, P0446, P0480, P0502, P0503, P1133, P1404 and P1441 not set
    • BARO is greater than 72 kPa.
    • Engine Coolant Temperature ( ECT) is greater than 40°C (104°F).
    • Engine RPM is below desired RPM by more than 100 RPM for 19 seconds.
    • Engine has been running more than 20 seconds.
    • Throttle Position (TP) angle is less than 1%.
    • IAC command is greater than 150 counts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate after two consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs with the malfunction present.
    • The PCM will record the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic fails. This information will store in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
    • A history DTC stores.
    • The coolant fan turns ON.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • The MIL/DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.

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 caused by 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.
       - A leaking EGR valve.
       - Excessive engine overloading. Check for seized pulleys, pumps, or motors on the accessory drive.
       - Overweight 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. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts you to complete some of the basic checks and to store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data captured when the malfunction occurred. The scan tool stores this data for later reference.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. The IAC circuits always have ground or voltage signals on them in pairs. If the test light illuminates on more or less than 2 terminals, 1 of the circuits is shorted to voltage or open.

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

  6. Thoroughly check any suspected circuitry for the following conditions:

  7. • Backed out terminals
    • Improper mating
    • Broken locks
    • Improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Poor terminal to wiring connections
    • Physical damage to the wiring harness
  8. A test light that remains ON constantly indicates that the circuit is shorted to the voltage.

  9. Reprogram the replacement PCM and perform the crankshaft position system variation learn procedure. Refer to the latest Techline information for PCM programming and Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn .

  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 in P or N.
  5. Verify that the A/C is OFF.
  6. Install a scan tool
  7. 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 switch.
  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?

40-80ohms

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 15

Go to Step 13

5

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

Does the test light illuminate on 2 terminals?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

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

Does the test light illuminate on 2 terminals?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

7

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

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 10

8

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

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

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

9

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

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 10

10

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

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

11

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  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 15

Go to Step 13

12

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

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

13

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Check for poor terminal connection at the IAC electrical connector.
  3. If terminal connection is OK, then replace the IAC valve. Refer to the IAC Valve Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15

  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 setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

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

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 2

16

Check to see if any additional DTCs are set.

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

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK