P0506
Medium SeverityIdle Air Control System RPM Lower Than Expected
Engine System
P0506 — Instant Answer
Idle Air Control System RPM Lower Than Expected
Severity: MEDIUM SEVERITY
Meaning: Idle speed is too low. The IAC is trying to raise it but cannot.
Safe to drive? Usually yes with caution, but confirm root cause before long trips.
Estimated repair cost: $5 - $80
Most common causes:
- 1. Carbon buildup in throttle body/IAC (35-45% of cases)
- 2. Vacuum leak (10-25% of cases)
- 3. Failing IAC valve (10-25% of cases)
Common Causes
How to Diagnose P0506
- 1Clean throttle body and IAC
- 2Check for vacuum leaks
- 3Replace IAC valve if cleaning fails
OEM Procedures for P0506
P0506 affects the Engine Control Module. Found 146 OEM service manual procedures.
12 90 120 Removing and installing/replacing control unit bracket (Cooper 4-door hatchback, Cooper 2-door hatchback, 2020-2023) - Replacement: Remount DME control unit and the integrated supply module (PDM)
12 90 120 Removing and installing/replacing control unit bracket (Cooper 4-door hatchback, Cooper 2-door hatchback, 2020-2023) - Replacement: Remount DME control unit and the integrated supply module (PDM)
12 90 120 Removing and installing/replacing control unit bracket (Cooper 4-door hatchback, Cooper 2-door hatchback, 2020-2023) - Replacement: Remount DME control unit and the integrated supply module (PDM)
12 90 120 Removing and installing/replacing control unit bracket (Cooper 4-door hatchback, Cooper 2-door hatchback, 2020-2023) - Replacement: Remount DME control unit and the integrated supply module (PDM)
12 90 120 Removing and installing/replacing control unit bracket (Cooper 4-door hatchback, Cooper 2-door hatchback, 2020-2023) - Replacement: Remount DME control unit and the integrated supply module (PDM)
12 90 120 Removing and installing/replacing control unit bracket (Cooper 4-door hatchback, Cooper 2-door hatchback, 2020-2023) - Replacement: Remount DME control unit and the integrated supply module (PDM)
12 90 120 Removing and installing/replacing control unit bracket (Cooper 4-door hatchback, Cooper 2-door hatchback, 2020-2023) - Replacement: Remount DME control unit and the integrated supply module (PDM)
12 90 120 Removing and installing/replacing control unit bracket (Cooper 4-door hatchback, Cooper 2-door hatchback, 2020-2023) - Replacement: Remount DME control unit and the integrated supply module (PDM)
Showing 8 of 146 procedures
OEM Diagnostic Flowchart
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Repair guides, symptom pages, and wiring diagrams related to P0506.
Related Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my car stall at red lights?
- Low idle speed from a dirty IAC or throttle body cannot keep the engine running when you take your foot off the gas.
- Can a dirty throttle body cause P0506?
- Absolutely — carbon buildup restricts airflow at idle. Cleaning it is the first thing to try.
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Author & Review
Written by AllOEMManuals Editorial Team. Reviewed by ASE-certified technicians and updated with factory-reference checks for fitment-sensitive steps.
This guide was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by a human editor.
Last updated: 2026-05-07