Engine code
P0506: Idle speed lower than expected
How much to fix P0506? Typically $75–$180.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $0 | $15 |
| Labor: 0.7 to 1 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $77 | $150 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $75 | $180 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, throttle body cleaning. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer wants the engine to idle at a certain speed, and it is running slower than that. It cannot raise the idle enough, usually because too little air gets past the closed throttle. A dirty throttle body, a clogged idle air passage or a dirty airflow sensor is the common cause.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Dirty throttle body
Safe for short drives, but the engine may stall when stopping.
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What you may notice
- Low or rough idle
- Stalling at stops
- Hard start
- Check-engine light
Common causes, most likely first
- Dirty throttle body
- Clogged idle air passage
- Vacuum leak
- Dirty MAF
Check this first
Clean the throttle body with spray made for it, and check that the air filter is clean. Both are cheap and often fix a low idle, and they are also useful to rule out before paying for a diagnosis.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0506
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Vacuum leak repair | $90 to $460 |
| Mass airflow sensor replacement | $120 to $390 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0506 questions
Is this a quick fix?
Sometimes a throttle cleaning is all it takes. If the idle is still low afterward, the shop may have to relearn the idle with a scan tool or look for a leak in the intake.
Why does it stall when I brake?
When you press the brake, the load on the engine rises, especially with power brakes and AC. An engine that already idles low can drop below the stall point and quit.
Is it the battery?
A weak battery can contribute, since it makes the alternator work harder and loads the engine. But it is not the usual cause, so test the battery and still plan to clean the throttle.
How much does it cost to fix P0506?
The most common fix, throttle body cleaning, has a typical range of $75 to $180 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $85 to $210 |
| New York City area | $80 to $200 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $80 to $200 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $80 to $190 |
| Houston area, Texas | $70 to $180 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $70 to $180 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $75 to $180 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $80 to $190 |
| Miami area, Florida | $70 to $180 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $85 to $200 |
Related codes
- P0505: Idle control system problem
- P0507: Engine idle higher than expected
- P0300: Random or multiple cylinder misfires
More engine codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.