P0506: Idle Control System RPM Lower Than Expected
Idle speed is lower than commanded.
Green, yellow, red: three ways P0506 can look
The same code can be a quick fix or a reason to pull over. Match your situation to the closest example.
Keep an eye on it
Idle slightly low.
Schedule a repair
Rough idle or near stalling. Clean the throttle body soon.
Stop and get help
Stalling in traffic. Don't drive until fixed.
Symptoms you might notice
- Low or rough idle
- Stalling
Common causes, cheapest first
- Dirty throttle body
- Clogged air filter
- Failing idle control
What you can check before calling
- Check the air filter
A code points to a system, not a part. Replacing parts based on the code alone is how people spend money without fixing the problem. Testing confirms the cause first.
Generic codes (second character 0) mean the same thing on every vehicle. Some manufacturers add their own details, so check service information for your exact vehicle.
Related codes
More idle, speed & electrical codes
Look up another code
Cummins fault code (like 1922), J1939 SPN and FMI (like SPN 3251 FMI 0), or an OBD-II code (like P0420).
Questions
What does P0506 mean?
P0506 means "Idle Control System RPM Lower Than Expected". Idle speed is lower than commanded.
Can I drive with code P0506?
It depends on what the vehicle is doing. Green: Idle slightly low. Yellow: Rough idle or near stalling. Clean the throttle body soon. Red: Stalling in traffic. Don't drive until fixed.
What causes P0506?
The most common causes are: dirty throttle body; clogged air filter; failing idle control.
Is P0506 a serious code?
It can be. Stalling in traffic. Don't drive until fixed.
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