Engine-CodesToyota – P0505 Toyota

P0505 Toyota Code - Idle Air Control System

Quick Answer

The P0505 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for Toyota vehicles relates to the Idle Air Control (IAC) system. Common causes include Dirty or faulty idle air control valve, Vacuum leaks in the intake system, Faulty throttle body. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0505 Toyota indicates Idle Air Control System.
Common causes
Common causes include Dirty or faulty idle air control valve, Vacuum leaks in the intake system, Faulty throttle body.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 30, 2024
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Code P0505 Toyota Description

The P0505 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for Toyota vehicles relates to the Idle Air Control (IAC) system. The IAC system is responsible for controlling the engine's idle speed by regulating the amount of air that enters the engine when the throttle is closed. When this code is triggered, it indicates that there is an issue with the idle air control system, which can lead to irregular idle speeds, stalling, or rough idling. This can negatively impact the vehicle's overall performance and fuel efficiency.

OBDII Code P0505 Toyota - Idle Air Control System
P0505 Toyota Code - Idle Air Control System

Common Causes of P0505 Toyota

  1. Dirty or faulty idle air control valve
  2. Vacuum leaks in the intake system
  3. Faulty throttle body
  4. Wiring or electrical issues
  5. Carbon build-up in the throttle body

Symptoms of P0505 Toyota

  1. Fluctuating idle speed
  2. Engine stalling at idle
  3. Rough idling
  4. Poor fuel economy
  5. Check Engine Light illuminated

How to Fix P0505 Toyota

  1. Diagnose the issue using a scan tool to confirm the P0505 code and identify the root cause.
  2. Inspect and clean the idle air control valve to remove any dirt or debris that may be affecting its operation.
  3. Check for vacuum leaks in the intake system and repair any damaged hoses or gaskets.
  4. Inspect the throttle body for any faults, such as sticking or malfunctioning components, and replace if necessary.
  5. Clear the trouble code and reset the engine control module (ECM) to see if the issue has been resolved.

Cost to Fix P0505 Toyota

The cost of repairing a P0505 code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue and the labor rates in your area. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for parts and labor. Keep in mind that prices may be higher at dealerships or in metropolitan areas, while independent shops may offer more competitive rates. It's recommended to get a few quotes from different auto repair shops to find the best deal.

Tech Notes for P0505 Toyota

There is a factory service bulletin for the following Toyota vehicles:

2005-2009 Toyota Avalon
2007-2010 Toyota Camry
2008-2009 Toyota Highlander
2006-2009 Toyota RAV4
2007-2010 Toyota Sienna
2009 Toyota Venza
Toyota Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0505





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Information for Specific Toyota Models

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0505 Toyota Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0505 in a Toyota related to the Idle Air Control System?

- Common symptoms include high or low idle speed, stalling at idle, rough idle, and potential difficulty starting the vehicle.

2. What are some possible causes of the P0505 code in a Toyota's Idle Air Control System?

- Potential causes include a faulty idle air control valve, carbon buildup in the throttle body, vacuum leaks, or issues with the throttle position sensor.

3. How can I diagnose the P0505 code in my Toyota related to the Idle Air Control System?

- Diagnosis may involve visually inspecting the idle air control valve, checking for vacuum leaks, using a scan tool to monitor sensor readings, and performing a throttle body cleaning.

4. Can I drive my Toyota with the P0505 code related to the Idle Air Control System?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the P0505 code as it can lead to performance issues and potential stalling, which can compromise safety.

5. How can I repair the P0505 code in my Toyota's Idle Air Control System?

- Repair options may include replacing the idle air control valve, cleaning the throttle body, fixing any vacuum leaks, or addressing issues with the throttle position sensor.

6. Will resetting the error codes make the P0505 code related to the Idle Air Control System disappear?

- Resetting the error codes may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear after driving the vehicle.

7. Are there any preventive maintenance tips to avoid the P0505 code in a Toyota's Idle Air Control System?

- Regularly cleaning the throttle body, ensuring the air filter is clean, and addressing any engine performance issues promptly can help prevent the occurrence of the P0505 code.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the P0505 code in a Toyota related to the Idle Air Control System?

- Depending on the specific cause, some DIYers may be able to address the P0505 code by replacing the idle air control valve or cleaning the throttle body. However, more complex issues may require professional assistance.

9. How long does it typically take to repair the P0505 code in a Toyota's Idle Air Control System?

- The time needed to repair the P0505 code can vary based on the cause and the specific repair needed. Simple fixes like cleaning the throttle body may take less than an hour, while replacing components may take longer.

10. Can the P0505 code in a Toyota's Idle Air Control System affect fuel efficiency?

- Yes, the P0505 code can impact fuel efficiency as it can lead to irregular idling and engine performance issues, which may result in increased fuel consumption.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0505 Toyota OBDII Code

  • How can I fix The problem.?

  • What model and year is your Toyota?

  • 2009 Corolla 1.8L

  • Any other symptoms? sound like you have to replace the Throttle Body. Before replacing any parts, try cleaning the throttle body and clearing the code first. Here is a video for a Camry, so you can get an idea:
    https://www.youtube.com/wat...

  • I'm gonna try that right away, thanks.
    No, real symptoms to speak of. Maybe a slightly different statup, but not much. Idling seems ok.

  • Dirty throttle body could also cause a start up hesitation. I hope cleaning the throttle body fix the problem.

  • Hey, I appreciate the help! I opened it up to look at it. It looks pretty similar to the video. But everything on the near side looks immaculate. On the other side of the flapper it looks black.
    There's a screen on one side, so cleaning beyond the flapper would seem pretty limited.
    Is that area beyond the flapper what I need to clean?
    Thanks

  • Just clean what you can reach, beyond that you could just spray with throttle body cleaner. Also, once you are done cleaning the throttle body, I recommend using high octane gas for a couple of tanks and a fuel additive.

  • I'll this and try scanning it afterward too. I'll let you know.
    Thanks OBDIITech!

  • Sometime Sunday, while running errands, the engine light went out.
    Hey! I swabbed out a limited area. (I'm gonna figure out a better tool to allow me to safely swab this out).
    I also started the high octane, topping off a half tank w/93 premium. Just for good measure, I jumped on the freeway Saturday and drove about 30 or more at around seventy sustained.
    I don't do a whole lotta hwy driving, and when I do it's usually right lane with slower traffic. 55-65, short jogs, on and off. Very little time in leftward lanes.
    It is a standard trans, and it seems to be running smoother compared to a few days ago. I know this was idle, but overall it seems like smoother acceleration.

  • Great. Go for another 30 min freeway drive, but try to get the engine to at least 3K rpms. I have fixed many vehicles by just driving at high RPM for about 30 min.

  • 3k got it. I'll run a bit more premium thru it too.
    I'm planning to further clean the throttle body, but I wanna figure out a better tool to to swab it with.
    It is extremely accessible on this car. Loosen the boot clamp and pull it aside. Right in front.
    Thanks again for your guidance. No telling what other rabbit holes I would have got off into! $$$$$

  • I got this code on a 2004 Sequoia, it runs fine at idle. It misses around 2000 rpm. I was told the problem was the AIC. Is cleaning it a possible solution?

  • Yes, cleaning could help fix the problem, but you don't have to clean the AIC valve, you have to clean the throttle body. On you vehicle the Idle Speed is controlled by the Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) (Commonly called Throttle Body)

  • Getting this code on my 05 Scion xA. I've cleaned the TB, replaced the IACV, replaced the PCV valve and checked for vacuum leaks. I still have a rough idle and I throw this code every hundred or so miles after I reset it. Any ideas?

  • Auto help me with this code p0505 toyota corolla 203 car but the car is not moving very well what can I do to fix the problem

  • The P0505 just mean that the idle is low, but shouldn't cause any driveability problem.

    The problem could be the throttle body.

    Image

    Click here to enlarge image

  • Auto I have another Toyota corolla 203 I got ignition coil code I replaced coil nd fuel pump nd spark plugs nd I cleare maf sensor nd injector the problem is that the car is not moving very well nd Auto if I start the car I remove the maf sensor the Engine stop working mean that the maf sensor is working very well Pls what can I do to fix this issue

  • Thanks a lot asante sana

  • The use of higher octane fuel then the manufacturer recommends is not a good idea.The higher octane fuel burns to slow and will cause carbon buildup to happen much faster then with 87 octane fuel.Plus its an additional expense that will not help the vehicle at all.The carbon buildup in the throttle body needs to be cleaned at regular intervals ,the carbon buildup causes the air to 'tumble" into the cylinder causing driveability concerns.When cleaning the throttle body you have to be careful not to use to much cleaner as it can damage the engine if it gets hydrolocked.W hen it's clean the air swirls in to the cylinder mixing with the fuel and lets the mixture burn as designed.i am a retired senior master in gas ,diesel ,hybrids with over 32 years dealership experience .I have seen this concern happen since about 1986 when many cars used ported fuel injectors Fuel injector additives to the fuel tank will help somewhat ,but higher octane fuel will not help one bit .It can cause driveability concerns due to slow or incomplete combustion.

  • I'm getting this code on a 2018 Tundra 4.6L. I cleaned the throttle body and MAF back in February. I got the code and went into limp mode about once a month for three months. I got the code when idling for about ten minutes. Each time I disconnected the battery and the problem went away. The code is still there. I'm not sure what steps to take now and havent experienced it in months.

    • Since it’s happening at idle after a long warm-up, that points more toward how the throttle body and idle system are adapting rather than a hard failure. On these Tundras, P0505 is often triggered by carbon buildup, a sticky throttle plate, or idle control issues inside the throttle body itself—not a separate idle air control valve like older models.

      Even though you cleaned it earlier, carbon can come back or the idle control may be drifting out of range. A good next step is to clean the throttle body again carefully, check for vacuum leaks, and make sure the MAF sensor is clean. If the code keeps returning, it may need a throttle body relearn with a scan tool or possibly a replacement if the internal motor is sticking.

      Since it’s intermittent, I’d focus on the throttle and air system before replacing parts.