P0506Medium urgency

Idle Air Control System RPM Too Low

Fuel System · Idle Control

⚠️ Safe to drive — idle quality affected, may stall.

What this means

The engine idle speed is lower than the target RPM. The idle air control valve or throttle body is restricting airflow. Symptoms include rough idle, stalling at stops, and poor cold starts.

Likely causes

Dirty throttle bodyMost common
Failed idle air control valveMost common
Vacuum leakCommon
Carbon buildup on throttle plateCommon

Estimated repair cost

Throttle body cleaning$75 – $200

IAC valve replacement$100 – $300

Throttle body replacement$200 – $600

🏪

Frequently asked questions

What does P0506 mean?

The engine idle speed is lower than the target RPM. The idle air control valve or throttle body is restricting airflow. Symptoms include rough idle, stalling at stops, and poor cold starts.

Is P0506 serious?

Safe to drive — idle quality affected, may stall.

How much does it cost to fix P0506?

Repair costs for P0506 range from $75 – $200 depending on the root cause and your vehicle.

Can I drive with P0506?

You can drive short distances but should have it repaired within 1-2 weeks to prevent further damage.