Jeep Liberty P0506: Idle Air Control – RPM Lower than Expected

P0506 This is an OBDII common trouble code. This is most commonly triggered by an engine's idle speed that is below the manufacturer-predicted limit.

This is known as a generic code. It has the exact same meaning regardless of whether it's used for another purpose. Jeep Liberty As it would for any other vehicle.

 P0506 Symptoms:  Liberty

Most often, you will not notice P0506 while driving. These are some of the symptoms that can be seen in the Liberty.

• The Service Engine is Soon to Be Lighted– The reason why you are here.
• Lower idle speed– Assuming that the code has been thrown due to a legitimate issue, you should notice the engine running slower when not pushing the gas.
• Stalling–  The idle may be too slow for the car to run without pressing on the accelerator pedal.

Jeep Liberty P0506 Diagnosis and Causes

There may be many reasons for P0506. While the code specifically mentions the “Idle Air Control System”, it would be a mistake to just go ahead and replace the idle air control valve without a little due diligence. It’s not always the cause of the code.

Below are the main causes of P0506 issues in Jeep Liberty. You can also find a guide on how to fix them. Be aware that model years can vary. You might start with looking at a Leakage of vacuum You can then move on from there.

Vacuum Leak

Leaking vacuum systems can cause Liberty's idle to be higher. Leakage of the vacuum system causes the combustion chamber's air equilibrium to be upset. 

How to find a vehicle vaccum leak (Popular Mechanics, Article)
In less than a minute, how to find a vacuum leak (2CarPros, YouTube)

Bad things can cause a vacuum leak vacuum hoseIt is the Intake is endless, EGR SystemOr anywhere air can flow through. It’s not hard to find a vacuum leak though. Use the resources above and you’ll find it in no time.

Valve for Idle Air Control

The majority of modern fuel-injected engine are fitted with an idle control valve. However, not all engines have an idle air control valve. If you have determined that you don’t have a vacuum leak, the IAC is a great second place to troubleshoot P0506.  You can find idle air control valves here It is very affordable.

How to diagnose an IAC Valve (Autozone Guides)

Throttle Body

In the course of an automobile's life, the throttle body will open and close millions of time. The accumulation of dust and air can slow down the body's ability to withstand high levels of pressure. It can alter the characteristics of your vehicle's idle. When dirty, you’ll often feel the vehicle almost stall before the computer compensates and opens it a little more.

Alternativly, the code could be thrown if it is not functioning properly due to damage to the throttle body.

How to spot signs that your throttle body is going down (Repair Pal)
What to do if your throttle body is dirty or bad? (YouTube Auto Repair Youtube)

Blockage of Intake or Exhaust

The idle could drop to P0506 due to a problem with the catalytic convert or the intake manifold. 

Conclusion

This is an extremely serious problem. We recommend that you have your Liberty serviced immediately. This is because of the dangers associated with driving an engine that could stall. We wish you all the best!