Opel Adam P0506: Idle Air Control – RPM Lower than Expected

P0506 This is an OBDII common trouble code. It's usually caused by an engine speed that is below the manufacturer-predetermined limit.

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

 P0506 Symptoms:  Adam

Most people will notice the P0506 symptoms while driving. The following symptoms are typical for P0506.

• 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.

Opel Adam P0506 Diagnosis and Causes

Many possible causes of P0506 exist. 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 some common reasons for P0506 issues in Opel Adam. Also, how to fix them. There are many model year differences. You might start with looking at a Leakage of vacuum You can then move on from there.

Vacuum Leak

Leaking vacuum systems can cause Adam's idle to be higher. The vacuum system can leak, which causes the combustion chamber to lose its air balance. 

How do you find a leak in your vehicle's vaccum? (Popular Mechanics, Article)
Find a Vacuum leak in under a minute (2CarPros, YouTube)

Vacuum leaks can be caused by bad things vacuum hoseIt is the Take in a lot, 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

Modern fuel-injected engines have an idle air 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.  The idle air control valves can be found here Very affordable.

How to Diagnose an IAC Valves (Autozone Guides)

Throttle body

In the course of an automobile's life, the throttle body will open and close millions of time. It can collect dust from all the air passing through it. The vehicle's idle performance can be affected by this grime. When dirty, you’ll often feel the vehicle almost stall before the computer compensates and opens it a little more.

Alternativly, the throttle body may have been damaged and may stop regulating the airflow properly. In this case, the code could be thrown.

Here are some signs your Throttle Body is failing and what to do (Repair Pal)
How to tell if your throttle is bad or dirty (YouTube auto repair, Youtube).

Bloated Intake/Exhaust

It could be a problem in the catalytic converter or an obstruction to the intake manifold. This can lead to idle dropping and throwing P0506. 

Conclusion

The P0506 problem is serious. We recommend that you have your Adam serviced immediately. This is because it can be dangerous to drive with an engine that can stop at any moment. You are welcome!