What Codes Will This Page Cover?
On this page, we’ll cover the following codes:
- P0505 Idle Air Control System
- P0506 Idle Air Control System RPM Lower Than Expected
- P0507 Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
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What Is the P0505 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0505 code, along with the P0506 and P0507 codes, have to do with your vehicle’s idle air control valve (IAC), a piece commonly found on or near the throttle body in older vehicles. The IAC maintains your vehicle’s idle speed – it measures how much air is passing through the throat of the throttle plate. When your vehicle is idling, the throttle plate closes, which reduces the air reaching the engine. By opening the bypass air channel, the powertrain control module (PCM) can allow your vehicle to sustain its idling speed. These codes indicate that there’s a problem with the IAC’s response to the PCM, including just a general problem or an issue with the RPM being either higher or lower than the vehicle is expecting.
What Are the Symptoms of a P0505 Code?
The symptoms of this code can vary pretty substantially depending on the core problem causing it. The first problem you might notice is the check engine light turning on. Outside of that, this problem often leads to a low or high engine idle speed, depending on the specific code your engine is throwing, and that may lead to the engine stalling. It can also cause issues with starting the engine, as well as general idling problems, such as a rough or fluctuating idle. In certain cases, the engine could even die, as it’s no longer able to compensate for basic loads like power steering, braking, and coming to a complete stop.
What Are Some Causes of a P0505 Code?
It’s actually very common for the P0505, P0506, and P0507 codes to come from issues with the engine vacuum, rather than the IAC or any other part of the idle speed control system. Other issues that can cause the P0505 code include a dirty or defective throttle body, problems with the electronic throttle actuator (ETC), a collapsed air duct or other restricted air filter element, circuit issues, general issues with the air intake system, sensor problems, or even problems with your PCM, although this is pretty rare. Before you start looking for the cause, it’s very important to run diagnostics to see what other error codes you might be dealing with, as this can give you critical information about the core issue.
How Serious Is the P0505 Code?
The P0505, P0506, and P0507 codes are fairly serious. They indicate that the idling process of your vehicle is impacted in some way, which can lead to your engine stalling and otherwise performing inconsistently. That can be decidedly dangerous when you’re driving on the road. If you’re seeing this code, it’s a good idea to stop driving your vehicle and get help from an expert.
Can I Still Drive with a P0505 Code?
Most of the time, the P0505, P0506, and P0507 codes don’t result in a complete no-start condition. In some cases, they can make it more difficult for your vehicle to start, in which case it will be more difficult for you to drive with these codes active. However, most of the time it won’t directly stop you from driving. Even if you can physically drive your car, you should still avoid doing so when this code is active; continuing to drive with the P0505, P0506, and P0507 codes active can result in more serious problems arising within your engine.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0505 Code?
The P0505, P0506, and P0507 codes are notably pretty difficult to diagnose. There are a wide array of possible causes for this code, and oftentimes, the actual impacted part is not the IAC, but instead another component that is causing the IAC to report altered input information. You’ll need to do a lot of work to diagnose these codes, so if you’re seeing one of them in your code scanner, it’s probably best to talk to an expert before you continue to try and diagnose the problem.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0505 Code?
Inspection for the P0505, P0506, and P0507 codes is complicated by the fact that this system is most commonly seen in older vehicles. You’ll need to go through specific diagnosis and repair processes that have to do with your vehicle type, which won’t always be easy to find, especially for these older vehicles. Instead of trying to DIY the solution, it’s best to talk to a professional, who will know how to handle the P0505 code and will be able to help you fix the problem the first time.
Need Additional Help with Your P0505 Code?
Many people need additional help with the P0505, P0506, and P0507 codes. If you’re one of them, you should start by finding a local expert who can help you determine the core problem and figure out what will fix it.
To start, you should first find an auto repair shop in your area with KBB. This service center locator will help you find the closest center to your location, which can make it much more convenient to fix the issue.
Additionally, because these codes are so frequently associated with other codes that give you more insight about the main problem, you’re probably going to want to do a full scan of engine codes, even before you take the vehicle in to an expert. The OBD-II database at KBB.com will give you more information about what these codes mean and what they might indicate in your engine.
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