All codes › P0506
P0506: Idle Control System RPM Lower Than Expected
What it means
Idle RPM is lower than the computer is targeting.
Severity: Low Low idle; may stall with AC on.
Common causes
- Dirty throttle body
- Clogged IAC passage
- Heavy accessory load
- Intake restriction
Most common causes first. Exact causes vary by make, model and engine.
Can I fix it myself?
Often DIY. Throttle body cleaning and an idle relearn.
Repair cost
SEEDED ESTIMATE Roughly $30–$150
Most likely repair: cleaning / no part. Diagnosis fees, taxes and other causes are not included.
| Line | Low | High | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning / no part | $0 | $20 | Editorial placeholder, parts price not yet cited |
| Labor 0.3–0.8 hr | $30 | $128 | $100–$160/hr, shop survey |
⚠️ This is an editorial placeholder range for this type of repair. It is not based on real invoices or licensed pricing data yet. Real ranges will appear here once enough reader invoices for P0506 are verified.
Verified reader invoices for P0506: 0. Share your repair bill to help build real costs.
Tools that can read P0506
- ScanFixAI: Pro $29.99/mo or $249.99/yr
- OBDAI: Annual PRO bundle $299
- BlueDriver Pro Next-Gen: $119.95 list ($99.95 sale seen)
The Check Engine Weekly
One email a week: new AI diagnostic tools, real repair costs from reader invoices, and one code explained.
Newsletter launching soon.