Drive with caution — fix soon.
This code means the engine's idle air control system isn't keeping the idle speed where the computer expects it to be. It's usually caused by a dirty or failing idle air control valve, a vacuum leak, or carbon buildup in the throttle area. Cleaning or replacing the idle air control valve and clearing out carbon often fixes it without major engine work.
$120 – $400
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Usually yes for short trips, but the main concern is stalling at stops, which can be dangerous in traffic. If the engine stalls repeatedly or is hard to restart, it's safer to get it towed and repaired.
Most repairs run between $120 and $400. A simple cleaning of the idle air control valve and throttle body is on the low end, while replacing the valve or fixing a vacuum leak costs more.
It's a moderate concern. It won't usually damage your engine, but the stalling and rough idle it causes can be unsafe and annoying, so it's worth fixing soon.
Often, yes. Carbon buildup in the throttle body and idle air control valve is a common cause, and a thorough cleaning can restore a normal idle without replacing parts.