Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSATURN1996SW2 L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISA L L DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES ( DTC )TESTING AND INSPECTIONP CODE CHARTSP0506
1996 Saturn SW2 L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7
P0506
1996 Saturn SW2 L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7SECTION P0506
Diagnostic Chart:
Wiring Diagram:
The idle air control (IAC) valve consists of a two coil stepper motor controlling a pintle. The PCM pulses a signal to the IAC valve by switching the high and low side circuits, depending on which direction the pintle needs to move. The motor moves the pintle in or out from the seat to control the amount of air that enters the intake manifold. The amount of movement being commanded can be monitored by a Scan tool, which is displayed in counts. When the engine is turned Off the IAC pintle is retracted (80-100 counts) allowing for maximum air during a restart. After a start-up the motor position commanded is based on coolant temperature and TP sensor values.
DTC PARAMETERS
P0506 - Idle RPM too low will set if:
^ PCM has commanded the IAC valve open and the actual RPM is more than 100-300 rpm below the desired rpm. Amount of rpm error allowed depends on ECT
P0507 - Idle rpm too high will set if:
^ PCM has commanded the IAC valve closed and the actual rpm is more than 100-300 rpm over the desired rpm. Amount of rpm error allowed depends on ECT
P1508 may set along with P0506 if:
^ The intrusive test indicates the valve is stuck in an open position.
P1509 may set along with P0507 if:
^ The intrusive test indicates the valve is stuck in a closed position.
NOTE: The IAC valve is continuously checked with engine running and PCM in idle control.
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
At normal operating temperature above 80°C (176°F) the idle must be within 100 rpm of desired or P0506 or P0507 will set. The malfunction history will store the desired rpm as well as the actual rpm at the time the DTC is set.
If either P0506 or P0507 DTCs become active during a drive cycle the PCM will run an intrusive test if all the proper conditions are met. The conditions to test are to be at a steady throttle cruise 32-64 km/h (20-40 mph) with airflow between 4-10 grams/sec. When conditions are met the PCM will issue a motor move command while monitoring MAP sensor value.
If no MAP sensor change is detected during the intrusive test the HIGH or LOW idle conditions detected is probably due to a IAC valve circuit problem. The idle control table of the Scan tool will indicate if an intrusive test has ever been performed since the codes were cleared. If an idle problem is detected, and the PCM never ran an intrusive test, the IAC circuit must be checked for proper operation.
IAC terminal resistance:
^ A to B = 40-80 ohms.
^ C to D = 40-80 ohms.
^ A to C, A to D, B to C and B to D = infinite resistance (open).
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.