AutoCodes – Saturn – P0506 Saturn

P0506 Saturn Code - Idle Speed Control System RPM Lower Than Expected

Quick Answer

The Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve is a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controlled stepper motor located on the Throttle Body. Common causes include Dirty Throttle Body, Electric Throttle Control Actuator (Motor) misadjusted or damaged, Faulty Electric Throttle Control Actuator. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0506 Saturn indicates Idle Speed Control System RPM Lower Than Expected.
Common causes: Common causes include Dirty Throttle Body, Electric Throttle Control Actuator (Motor) misadjusted or damaged, Faulty Electric Throttle Control Actuator.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 9,929

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 29, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0506 Saturn Description

The Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve is a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controlled stepper motor located on the Throttle Body. The stepper motor drives a valve pintle which protrudes into a passage that bypasses the throttle plates. The PCM commands the Idle Air Control Valve pintle to extend to decrease the idle speed. The bypass air flow is reduced and the idle speed decreases as the pintle approaches its seat. The PCM retracts the IAC valve pintle away from its seat to increase the idle speed. The retracting of the IAC valve pintle allows more air to bypass the throttle plates. One of the PCMs uses for the IAC system is to maintain a desired idle speed. The P0506 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set when the Powertrain Control Module detects an engine speed outside of the Idle Air Control range of control.

OBDII Code P0506 Saturn - Idle Speed Control System RPM Lower Than Expected - AutoCodes.com — P0506 Saturn Code - Idle Speed Control System RPM Lower Than Expected

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0506 Saturn?

Dirty Throttle Body
Electric Throttle Control Actuator (Motor) misadjusted or damaged
Faulty Electric Throttle Control Actuator
Intake air leak

How to Fix the DTC P0506 Saturn?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

If there are no intake leaks, clean the throttle body, adjust the engine idle, and erase the engine code. If the code persists you may have to replace the Electric Throttle Control Actuator (Motor).

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) learns the idle position of the throttle plate to ensure the correct idle. Anytime the throttle body is cleaned or replaced, the PCM must learn the new throttle position. The idle may be unstable or a DTC may be set if the throttle position is not learned.

Saturn Throttle Body Cleaning and Idle Learning Procedure

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0506 Saturn code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0506 Saturn code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0506 Saturn code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0506 Saturn code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.