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 throttle actuator control (TAC) motor is controlled by the engine control module (ECM). The DC motor located in the throttle body drives the throttle blade. In order to decrease idle speed, along with spark and fuel delivery changes the ECM commands the throttle closed reducing air flow into the engine and the idle speed decreases. In order to increase idle speed, the ECM commands the throttle plate open allowing more air to pass the throttle plate. If the difference between the desired and actual engine speed is greater than a specified range, these DTCs will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0068, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0120, P0122, P0123, P0128, P0171, P0172, P0174, P0175, P0201-P0208, P0220, P0222, P0223, P0300, P0301-P0308, P0351-P0358, P0336, P0401, P0403, P0404, P0405, P0496, P0440, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0452, P0453, P0496, P0502, P0503, P0601, P0604, P0606, P0641, P0651, P0722, P0723, P1514, P1516, P1680, P2101, P2120, P2122, P2123, P2127, P2128, P2135, P2138, P2176 are not set.
    • The engine is operating for at least 60 seconds.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is greater than -15°C (+5°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is greater than -18°C (0°F).
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is greater than 65 kPa.
    • The system voltage is between 10.5-18 volts.
    • The engine is at a stable idle for greater than 2 seconds.
    • DTC P0506 and P0507 run continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0506

    • The actual idle speed is approximately 90 RPM lower than the desired idle speed continuously
    •  The above condition is present for 3 tests consisting of 8 seconds for each test.

P0507

    • The actual idle speed is approximately 90 RPM greater than the desired idle speed.
    •  The above condition is present for 3 tests consisting of 8 seconds for each test. .

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0506 and P0507 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0506 and P0507 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description

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 no other DTCs set.
  2. If any other DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
  3. Compare the desired engine idle speed to the actual engine idle speed with a scan tool. Actual engine idle speed should be no greater than or less than 100 RPM of desired.
  4. Command the engine speed up and down with a scan tool. Increase the engine speed in 25 RPM increments while comparing the desired engine speed to the actual engine speed, the actual engine speed should stay within 25 RPM of the desired engine speed.
  5. Engine running, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTCs P0506 or P0507 should not set.
  6. 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 data.

Circuit System Testing

  1. Inspect for any condition that can reduce idle speed by increasing engine load.
  2. • Incorrect torque converter clutch (TCC) operation
    • Accessories that require additional torque to operate
    • Excessive deposits in the throttle body--Refer to Throttle Body Inspection and Cleaning .
    • Restricted exhaust--Refer to Restricted Exhaust .
    • Mechanical conditions that limit engine speed
  3. Inspect for any condition that can increase idle speed.
  4. • Vacuum leaks
    • Unmetered air entering the engine, after the mass air flow
    • A faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.