What usually causes it
- A dirty throttle body or idle air valve
- A vacuum leak
- A clogged air filter or a dirty air flow sensor
- A stuck PCV valve, the small valve that vents engine fumes
P0506Starts at: OK to drive, fix when convenient
Idle speed is lower than expected
Idle is the engine speed when the car is stopped. The engine is idling slower than the computer wants.
Check this first
Look for cracked or loose rubber hoses near the engine. Cleaning the throttle body with a spray made for it often helps.
What to watch for
- The engine stalls when you stop
- A rough or shaky idle
- Stalling when the A/C is on
Can I keep driving?
We rate P0506 as OK to drive, fix when convenient, as a starting point. Keep an eye on the signs below. If the light starts flashing, stop driving soon.
Quick answers about P0506
What does P0506 mean?
Idle speed is lower than expected. Idle is the engine speed when the car is stopped. The engine is idling slower than the computer wants.
Can I keep driving with P0506?
We rate P0506 as OK to drive, fix when convenient, as a starting point. Keep an eye on the signs below. If the light starts flashing, stop driving soon.
What usually causes P0506?
The most common causes, in order: A dirty throttle body or idle air valve; A vacuum leak; A clogged air filter or a dirty air flow sensor; A stuck PCV valve, the small valve that vents engine fumes.
Estimates only. A mechanic should confirm. The same code can mean slightly different things on different cars; the app explains it for your exact year, make, model and mileage.