Idle control system malfunction

Description
The idling speed is controlled by the etcs (electronic throttle control system). The etcs is comprised of: 1) the one valve type throttle body; 2) the throttle actuator, which operates the throttle valve; 3) the throttle position (tp) sensor, which detects the opening angle of the throttle valve; 4) the accelerator pedal position (app) sensor, which detects the accelerator pedal position; and 5) the ecm, which controls the etcs. Based on the target idling speed, the ecm controls the throttle actuator to provide the proper throttle valve opening angle.

Monitor description
The ecm monitors the idling speed and idling air flow volume to conduct idle speed control (isc). The ecm determines that the isc system is malfunctioning if the following conditions apply:
- The learned idling air flow volume remains at the maximum or minimum volume 5 times or more during a drive cycle.
- After driving at 10 km/h or more, the actual engine idling speed varies from the target idling speed by between 100 rpm and 200 rpm, 5 times or more during a drive cycle.
Example: if the actual idling speed varies from the target idling speed by more than 200 rpm* 5 times during a drive cycle, the ecm illuminates the mil and sets the dtc.
Hint:*: Threshold idling speed varies with engine load.

Monitor strategy

Typical enabling conditions

Typical malfunction thresholds


Inspection procedure Hint:
- The following conditions may also cause dtc p0505 to be set:
- The floor carpet overlapping slightly onto the accelerator pedal, causing the accelerator pedal to be slightly depressed and therefore the throttle valve position to be slightly open.
- The accelerator pedal being not fully released.
- Read freeze frame data using the intelligent tester. Freeze frame data records the engine condition when malfunctions are detected. When troubleshooting, freeze frame data can help determine if the vehicle was moving or stationary, if the engine was warmed up or not, if the air-fuel ratio was lean or rich, and other data from the time the malfunction occurred.
- Check any other dtcs output (in addition to dtc p0505)
- Connect the intelligent tester to the dlc3.
- Turn the ignition switch on.
- Turn the tester on.
- Select the following the menu items: diagnosis / enhanced obd ii / dtc info / current codes.
- Read dtcs.

Hint:
If any dtcs other than p0505 are output, troubleshoot those dtcs first.

- Check pcv hose connections

- Check air induction system
- Check the air induction system for vacuum leakage.

- Check throttle valve
- Check the throttle valve condition.

Test yourself
A quick Toyota RAV4 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.