P0505 idle control system

5 results found

What Does Code P0505 Mean?

OBD II fault code P0505 is defined as “Idle Control System Malfunction”, or sometimes as “Idle speed control (ISC) system –malfunction”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is unable to control, or maintain the engine idling speed at a specified RPM. Note that regardless of slight differences in the wording of various definitions of code P0505, this code always refers to the PCM’s inability to maintain or control the engine idling speed.

On most applications, the PCM will attempt to make adjustments to various systems such as fuel trim, ignition timing, injection pulse width and others in attempts to maintain the specified idling speed and quality. However, PCM’s generally have a rather limited ability to correct or compensate for most faults, and when this limit is reached the PCM will set code P0505 and illuminate a warning light.

Idling speed on gasoline engines is regulated and controlled by the idling control valve (generally located on the throttle body) that allows air to enter the engine by by-passing the throttle plate, which is for all practical purposes kept almost closed by the PCM during idling. A sufficient supply of air to the engine during idling is accomplished by an idling control valve that is operated by a step motor that adjusts the amount of air entering the engine in small increments or “steps”, hence the term “step motor”. Increments are determined by the PCM, and are based on information obtained from several sensors scattered around the engine. Typical information used by the PCM to control the idling speed include-

• engine temperature
• ambient air temperature
• fuel pressure
• fuel temperature/composition
• ignition timing signals transmitted by the Crankshaft Position sensor
• valve timing data as transmitted by Cam Position Sensors
• data provided by the Throttle Position Sensor
• data from the transmission
• data from oxygen sensors,
• and data about which electrical consumers such as A/C, wipers, and headlights are in operation that place an additional load on the engine.

As long as the throttle plate remains closed, the idling speed and quality is controlled by the PCM via the idle control valve, and as can be seen from the above it should be clear that idle control on a gasoline engine is a complex affair. For instance, if the engine is started in sub-zero temperatures, the PCM will command the idling control valve to allow less air to enter the engine to enrich the air/fuel mixture to create a condition which is roughly analogous to how chokes worked on carburetted engines to control idling in cold weather.

As the engine heats up and combustion becomes easier and more complete, the PCM will command the idling control valve to increase the amount of air entering the engine to suit the changing conditions. However, when the load on the engine changes, say, when some electrical consumers or other systems are either turned on or off, the PCM adapts the signal voltage to the idle control valve to ensure that the idling speed remains stable, and at the RPM specified by the manufacturer.

One example of this would be when an automatic vehicle in placed in gear. To prevent the added drag from the torque converter and transmission from reducing the idling speed, the PCM will command the idle control valve to allow more air to enter the engine, while at the same time, adjusting the injector pulse width to inject more fuel to suit the increased amount of air. Note that the idle air control valve is closed by the PCM when the throttle plate is opened to prevent excess air from entering the engine.

The image below shows the typical location of the Idle Air Control Valve. Note that the appearance and location of Idle Air Control Valves differ between applications; consult the relevant manual to locate the Idle Air Control Valve on any particular application.

What are the common causes of code P0505?

Although carbon build-up in the throttle body and/or idle control valve air passages is by far the most common cause of code P0505, other possible causes could include the following-

• Engine vacuum leaks
• Damaged, burnt, shorted, or corroded wiring and/or connectors
• Open circuits
• Defective idle air control valve
• Defective step motor
• Failed, or failing PCM. Note that PCM failure is a rare event, and the fault must be sought elsewhere before any controller is replaced.

NOTE: The idle control system on some GM products, most notably Dodge vehicles from the late 1090’s to early 2000’s, is particularly susceptible to damage caused by a defective charging system and/or low battery voltage. On these applications, a thorough inspection and testing of the entire charging system should always be the first step in diagnosing code P0505.

What are the symptoms of code P0505?

The symptoms of code P0505 are much the same for all applications, although the severity of one or more symptoms may vary between applications. Typical symptoms could include the following-

• Stored trouble code and an illuminated warning light
• Fluctuations in idling speed
• Idling speed higher than specified
• Idling speed lower than specified
• Engine could stall unless idling speed is maintained by pressing the accelerator pedal

How do you troubleshoot code P0505?

NOTE #1: In many cases of code P0505, the problem can be resolved simply by cleaning out accumulated carbon deposits on, or in the throttle body and auxiliary air passages with an approved cleaner. Take note though that unapproved cleaning agents and chemicals can often damage internal surfaces and/or internal components.

NOTE #2: Defective alternators and/or batteries can have unpredictable effects on most applications, including generating random fault codes and damage to controllers. Since the idle control system is often one of the first systems to sustain damage caused by defective charging systems, it is important to check the condition, and functioning of the charging system before starting a targeted diagnostic procedure on the idle control system.

NOTE #3: Be aware that some cheap generic code readers either cannot access the dedicated idle control diagnostic system that some manufacturers use to make diagnosing idle control system faults easier, or are not programmed with the dedicated software. If a professional grade scanner is not available, the better option is to refer the vehicle for professional diagnosis and repair.

NOTE #4: Code P0505 is sometimes accompanied by several other engine codes and it is not always easy to determine if all, or some of the additional codes are the cause, or the result of code P0505. Thus, when diagnosing code P0505 and other codes, especially misfiring and vacuum system-related codes are present follow the rule that states that codes must be resolved in the order in which they were stored. Not doing this will almost certainly result in a misdiagnosis and a lot of wasted time.

Record all codes present, as well as all available freeze frame data. This information can be of use should an intermittent fault be diagnosed later on.

If other codes are present along with P0505, diagnose and resolve them in the order in which they were stored. The most likely additional codes are usually vacuum system-related, so inspect the vacuum system for leaks caused by split, dislodged, hardened, or perished vacuum lines. Make repairs as required, and clear all codes before operating the vehicle. Retest the system to see if any codes return.

If the code persists, remove the throttle body from the inlet tract and inspect it for the presence of excessive carbon build-up or deposits. In some cases it is possible to remove light carbon deposits from the throttle body and auxiliary air passages with approved cleaning agents; however, heavy deposits can usually not be removed without damaging the either the throttle body or the idle control valve. In these cases the better option is replacement of the throttle body and/or the idle control valve with OEM parts.

When installing cleaned or replacement parts make sure all seals and/or gaskets are replaced as well to prevent vacuum leaks. Double check all vacuum line connections before starting the engine or operating the vehicle. If the code persists, consult the manual to determine the function, color-coding, routing, and location of all associated wiring. Perform a thorough visual inspection of all associated wiring; look for damaged, burnt, shorted, or corroded wiring and connectors.

NOTE: Engine wiring is exposed to higher temperatures than wiring elsewhere on the vehicle, which means that the insulation on engine wiring is far more likely to harden and flake off. This often causes intermittent short circuits, so resist the temptation to repair engine wiring, since merely moving the wiring can cause insulation to crack and split elsewhere. The better option is always to replace engine wiring harnesses with OEM replacements, as opposed to repairing them.

If no visible damage is found on the wiring, perform resistance, ground, reference voltage, and continuity checks on all wiring in the associated circuit(s), but be sure to disconnect the idle control valve and step motor from the PCM to prevent damage to the controller. Compare all obtained readings with those stated in the manual, and replace wiring as required to ensure that all readings fall within the manufacturer’s specifications.

NOTE: Pay particular attention to the resistance of the signal wire between the PCM and the stepper motor, since even small variations from specified values can have serious effects on the step motor. Bear in mind that the step motor works in very small increments, which means that an incorrect resistance can seriously influence the working of the step motor, and therefore the amount of air that enters the engine during idling.

If the resistance of the signal wire checks out, test the actual signal voltage that reaches the step motor at the connector. Use the scanner to command the idle control valve open, and check the actual voltage that reaches the connector; compare the obtained reading with the value(s) stated in the manual.

Note that depending on the application, dedicated idle control system diagnostic programs usually give a range of voltages that correspond to degrees of opening of the idle valve, or sometimes as degrees of rotation of the step motor. These readings should match the stated values EXACTLY- if they do not, replace the associated wiring harness with an OEM replacement.

If however, all obtained readings agree with stated values the step motor is defective, and it must be replaced. Bear in mind though that aftermarket replacement parts often do not conform to the quality standards demanded by car manufacturers, which could result in a continual recurrence of code P0505 (and others). Also, keep in mind that in cases where the actual idle control valve and the step motor are separate components, the better option is always to replace both the motor and the valve.

Clear all codes after all repairs are complete, and operate to vehicle to see which codes (if any) return. At this point the engine should idle within specification, but if it does not, it is likely that there is an intermittent fault present. Be aware that intermittent faults can be extremely challenging and time consuming to find and repair, and in some cases it might be necessary to allow the fault to worsen before an accurate diagnosis and definitive repair can be made.

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

IAC (Idle Air Control) System Malfunction

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.

What does that mean?

The IAC (Idle Air Control) valve controls the idle speed of the engine. At idle the throttle plate is closed, of course. The IAC is computer controlled and allows only a certain amount of air around the throttle plate. This metered air controls the idle speed. The IAC has a "plunger" or "shutter" that moves to open or close the bypass air passageway.

The more air the IAC allows around the throttle plate, the higher the idle. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) uses the IAC valve to keep the idle speed correct with varying engine demands. Can be a three or four wire sensor depending on the model.

The PCM monitors voltages of the IAC circuits and if it detects an incorrect voltage on one or more of the IAC motor circuits it will set P0505. NOTE: Problems with the IAC would only be noticeable at idle or when throttle is closed.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination
• Engine stalls and may not idle unless throttle is depressed
• Intermittently stalls when letting off the throttle
• Engine may idle too high

Causes

Potential causes of an P0505 code include:

• IAC motor connector is damaged (check connector and pins for damage, and moisture)
• One or more IAC circuits open or shorted to ground
• One or more IAC circuits are shorted to voltage
• IAC has failed
• PCM has failed

Possible Solutions

This should be a fairly straightforward diagnosis. Start by clearing the fault codes. Then unplug the IAC and start the engine (This may cause other IAC codes to set. Just ignore them for now). If the P0505 code doesn’t reset, replace the IAC. It is internally shorting one of the IAC circuits. If the code DOES return after unplugging the IAC and starting the engine, then you know it isn’t the IAC motor. Visually check the wiring harness all the way back to the PCM. You may need to visually inspect the harness by removing all the insulation off the wires. It is possible that the wires could be shorting to eachother or to other wires in the harness.

If there are no wiring problems, and the code keeps returning with the IAC unplugged, you can check the PCM by removing the IAC wires from the PCM connector (or clipping the wires in a location where they can be repaired easily) and then start the engine (If you’re not sure, don’t do it. Take it to a qualified professional). Now if the code doesn’t reset there is a problem with the wiring. Check for continuity on all the IAC wires. Any resistance points to a problem. Check for voltage on any(At this point there shouldn’t be any voltages on the wires because they’re clipped at one end and unplugged at the IAC). Repair as necessary. But if the P0505 code DOES reset after removing the IAC wires from the PCM connector (or clipping them), replace the PCM, there’s a problem internally on the IAC control circuit.

Other related DTCs: P0506, P0507

Related DTC Discussions

• P0505 2001 Maxima
  Has anyone had this problem and did you discover that it was the Idle Air Control Valve or something else. Please tell me your experience. Thanks for any help. DB.
• 2001 dodge ram 2500 5.9L p0505 HELP!!
  Same code keep popping up. I cleaned throttle body, tried replacing iac, nothing so i put old one back. Btw resistance in both motor winding on old iac is about 53.8 ohms, is that normal? Ram new writing from iac to pcm still code come up leaving only the pcm. Any ideass on how to test pcm with mult.
• 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, P0505,P0302
  Need some help with a 2001 Grand Cherokee. It overheated last week, was shut down to let cool. When restarted there was a loud knock. I pulled valve cover and found #5 exhaust rocker arm laying inside. I reinstalled the rocker arm, and valve cover. Restarted engine lound knock gone but now ther.
• 2001 Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L P1145 P0505 P0304
  Hello my name is Jesse. I have a Nissan Pathfinder SE 2001 it has right at 196800 miles. I’m having several issues. P1145 P0505 P0304. I have changed idle air control valve. I have changed the cam sensor. I have pulled the plugs. I have checked the electric connections. I’m at my wit’s end on this c.
• 2002 Honda Accord P0505 and P1519
  I am having problems. I get codes PO505 and P1519. I changed my iac and still get codes. It said this might be the problem (IAC valve control circuit is open or shorted to system power). Does this mean to check the wireing where it connects at iac. the engine races up and down. When I drive it whe.
• P0505 and P0600 codes-1996 dodge stratus
  This is on a 1996 Dodge Stratus. P0505-Idle Control System Malfunction P0600-Serial Communication Link Malfunction I got these codes from my mechanic after my car lost power on the highway. I was driving along, and then the car started to shake, and then I lost the ability to use the gas. But the c.
• P0505 Idle Control System
  1999 Dodge Durango 5.2L V8 with check engine light ON which the code P0505 Idle Air Control System. Sometimes when you are running the engine just shuts off and you have to wait a few minutes for it to turn back on again. Sometimes this happens also when waiting in a red light, etc. It also accelera.
• 02 BMW 330i P0444, P0056, P0505, P0036, P0102, P0500
  So this is my first post of this nature so give me some credit 🙂 I have a 2002 bmw 330i and as of yesterday evening have no power. The car starts just fine, but when you give it gas nothing happens. It does have a few codes that have come up, but no check engine light at this time. We are at a.
• Fiat Punto ’53 P0505 and U1602
  I have been told this needs a new 02 sensor and have someone offering to help me change this sensor as apparently it’s not always an easy job to get right and often causes problems if not spot on (bloody electrics lol), should this also solve the IAC air valve issue or is this likely to be a complet.
• Another Jeep Code P0505 but different symptoms ie fast idle
  Hi there, as mentioned. Ive got a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 v-8 all Stock. 173,000 miles Getting the P0505 code, I only have a code reader, no scanner. BUT!! [b]the idle is wildly high, up to 2000 rpm[/b]. the motor does not die, or stumble. it just acts like its stuck on fast idle. This is int.

Need more help with a p0505 code?

If you still need help regarding the P0505 trouble code, please post your question in our FREE car repair forums.

NOTE: This information is presented for information purposes only. It is not intended as repair advice and we are not responsible for any actions you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is copyright protected.