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Idle and throttle

P0506 Idle speed too low

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P0506 means: Idle speed too low. The engine computer can't hold the idle speed steady. OK to drive, but have it checked soon. The repair usually costs about €30–300 in Estonia. The most common cause: dirty throttle body. Other possible causes: air leak, idle control valve has failed.

Is it safe to drive?OK to driveOK to drive, but have it checked soon.
Typical repair cost€30–300parts and labour in Estonia

What it means

The engine computer can't hold the idle speed steady. The idle is too low, too high or hunting. The engine may shake or stall at idle.

What could be wrong

  1. 1Dirty throttle body
  2. 2Air leak
  3. 3Idle control valve has failed
  4. 4Throttle needs to be re-learned

What you can check yourself

Listen for a hissing sound. A dirty throttle body is a very common cause. You can do the simpler checks yourself.

How we fix it

  1. We clean the throttle body and re-learn it
  2. We check for air leaks
  3. We replace the idle control valve or throttle body

Standard SAE description: Idle Control System RPM Lower Than Expected

Want a definite answer?

Bring the car to our workshop in Estonia for diagnostics. We read the fault codes, test the sensors and tell you what is wrong. Repair price depends on the work involved, generally €45 per hour.

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Questions

What does fault code P0506 mean?

Idle speed too low. The engine computer can't hold the idle speed steady. The idle is too low, too high or hunting. The engine may shake or stall at idle.

Can I drive with code P0506?

OK to drive, but have it checked soon.

How much does it cost to fix P0506?

Roughly €30–300 in Estonia. The price depends on exactly what has failed and on the car.

How is P0506 fixed?

We clean the throttle body and re-learn it. We check for air leaks. We replace the idle control valve or throttle body.

Related codes

P0505Idle speed won't stay steadyP0507Idle speed too highP2101Throttle motor not working properly

This information is general and prices are approximate (Estonian workshop rates). The same code can mean different things on different cars. Only an inspection of the car gives a definite answer.

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