Suzuki Swift P0506: Idle Air Control – RPM Lower than Expected

P0506 It is the most common OBDII code. This code is usually triggered when engine idle speed falls below the limit pre-determined by the manufacturer.

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

 P0506 Symptoms:  Swift

Driving is the most common way P0506 will be noticed. These are some of the symptoms that can be seen in the Swift.

• Coming Soon: Service Engine Light– 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.

Suzuki Swift P0506 Diagnoses 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.

These are the top causes of Suzuki Swift P0506 and how to fix them. There are many model year differences. You might start with looking at a Vacuum leak From there, you can move on.

Vacuum Leak

The Swift will idle more often if the vacuum system leaks. The vacuum system can leak, which causes the 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 hoseThe 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.  You can find idle air control valves here Very affordable.

How to diagnose an IAC valve (Autozone Guides)

Throttle body

The throttle body can be opened and closed millions of times during the lifetime of a car's engine. 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.

If the throttle body is damaged or not properly controlling airflow, then the code can be thrown.

Here are some signs your Throttle Body is failing and what to do (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 Swift serviced immediately. This is because it can be dangerous to drive with an engine that can suddenly stall. You are welcome!