my check engine light came on today after having this very weird idle problem with my car which is a 98 accord
the code came back p0505-idle system malfunction.
anyone have any idea what this means and does it require immediate attention?

 

Probably (just guessing) just need to have your idle reset. What does it idle at right now?

 

most likely problem will be the idle air control valve,is it going from like 700-2000 rpm's. you can also try cleaning the throttle plate

 

how did you get the code??i got a 98 civic but i don't have a scan tool is it possible to get the code??

 

you could always pull the iac off and clean it, they tend to cause shitty idle when clogged

 

if you have 98 accord v6 and it's throwing that code, replace IAC. It is common problem, but before replace IAC clean the throttle plate.