P0507: Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Quick Answer
Safe to drive (short-term)
P0507 means the engine is idling significantly higher than the ECU expects. Normal idle is typically 600-800 RPM. When the ECU detects idle speed consistently above its target by 200+ RPM and cannot bring it down, it sets P0507. The most common causes are vacuum leaks, dirty throttle body, or a stuck idle air control valve.
- Severity
- Moderate · Fuel System
- Estimated repair cost
- From €5 to €550+, varies by vehicle
Scan your own car in about 60 seconds: see whether P0507 is really what it has, how urgent it is, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android with an ELM327 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone).
Get Skanyx freeWhat does P0507 mean?
P0507 is a fuel system-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0507 and illuminates the check engine light.
Where it is on the car
- Air filter box
- Mass airflow sensor (MAF)
- Throttle body and throttle position sensor
- Intake manifold and MAP sensor
- Engine (cylinder head)
Idle speed depends on the air that passes the throttle. A dirty throttle body, or a sticking idle air valve on older cars, is a common cause.
What are the symptoms of P0507?
If your vehicle has triggered P0507, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
- Check engine light illuminated
- Engine idles noticeably fast (1500 to 2000 rpm instead of 600 to 800 rpm)
- Harsh engagement when shifting from Park/Neutral to Drive or Reverse
- Higher fuel consumption at idle
- Engine feels like it wants to move forward while stationary (automatic transmission)
- Possible whistling or hissing sound from vacuum leak
What causes P0507?
Here are the most common causes of P0507:
Vacuum leak (cracked hose, loose clamp, intake manifold gasket)
: high
Dirty or carbon-fouled throttle body
: high
Stuck or failed idle air control (IAC) valve
: medium
Faulty throttle position sensor (TPS)
: low
Faulty coolant temperature sensor (ECU thinks engine is cold)
: low
Air leak after MAF sensor (unmetered air)
: low
Is it safe to drive with P0507?
Generally yes, for short-term driving. Safe to drive but the high idle wastes fuel and can make the car lurch when shifting into gear. On automatic transmissions, the higher RPM can cause harsh engagement. Fix within a couple of weeks.
How do you diagnose P0507?
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0507:
- Check for vacuum leaks: listen for hissing sounds, spray brake cleaner around intake manifold gaskets and hoses while engine runs. RPM change indicates a leak
- Inspect throttle body for carbon buildup. Remove intake boot and look inside. Clean with dedicated throttle body cleaner if dirty
- Check idle RPM with scan tool live data. Note if it drops to normal range after the throttle body cleaning
- If throttle body is clean and no vacuum leaks, test the IAC valve (if equipped). Command it open/closed with scan tool and listen for operation
- Check coolant temperature sensor reading vs actual temperature. A faulty sensor reading cold will cause the ECU to command high idle
- After any repair, perform an idle relearn procedure per manufacturer instructions
How much does P0507 cost to fix?
Repair costs for P0507 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean throttle body | €5–€15 | €0–€60 | €5–€75 | Easy |
| Fix vacuum leak (replace hose or clamp) | €5–€40 | €30–€150 | €35–€190 | Moderate |
| Replace idle air control (IAC) valve | €30–€120 | €40–€120 | €70–€240 | Moderate |
| Replace throttle body | €100–€350 | €60–€200 | €160–€550 | Professional |
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Full repair guides
P0507 on specific vehicles
P0507 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:
P0507 on Toyota
Toyota Camry
P0507 on Honda
Honda Civic
P0507 on Volkswagen
Volkswagen Golf
P0507 on BMW
BMW 3 Series
Related diagnostic codes
These codes are often seen alongside P0507 or indicate related issues:
Common questions about P0507
- Why does my car idle so high?
- The most common cause is a vacuum leak letting extra air into the engine, or carbon buildup preventing the throttle plate from fully closing. The ECU tries to compensate but can't bring RPM down to target.
- Can I fix P0507 by cleaning the throttle body?
- Often, yes. Carbon buildup on the throttle plate and bore prevents it from closing fully, keeping idle high. A 15-minute cleaning with dedicated throttle body cleaner resolves P0507 in many cases.
- Is high idle dangerous?
- Not dangerous, but annoying and wasteful. On automatic transmissions, high idle causes harsh gear engagement. It wastes fuel and can accelerate wear on engine mounts and transmission components.
- Do I need to do an idle relearn after fixing P0507?
- Usually yes. After cleaning the throttle body or replacing the IAC valve, the ECU needs to relearn the correct idle position. Some cars do this automatically over a few drive cycles. Others require a specific procedure with a scan tool.
Read our detailed guides
- Next stepHow to Find Out What Is Wrong With Your Car for 15 EurosA 15 euro Bluetooth adapter and a free phone app read the exact fault code a shop charges 30 to 100 euros to pull. Here is how to do it yourself in 5 minutes.
- How to Fix P0507: High Idle RPM Causes and Repair CostFixing P0507 ranges from free for a loose vacuum hose to around 400 euros for a throttle body. Here is how to find the cause of a high idle before buying parts.
- Throttle Body: What It Does, Symptoms, Codes and CostA failing throttle body shows up as a hunting idle, stalling, hesitation or limp mode. What the part does, the symptoms, the codes, and the repair cost.
- Throttle Body Replacement Cost: Clean It or Replace It?A throttle body clean costs 30 to 90 euros and often fixes a rough idle outright. A full replacement runs 150 to 500 euros. Here is how to tell which you need.
- Why Does My Car Shut Off When I Stop? Causes, Fixes and CostYour car dies at every red light, then restarts fine. Here is what causes a car to shut off when you stop, how to find the fault, and what fixes cost.
- Check Engine Light Flashing? Stop Driving and Read This FirstA flashing check engine light means the engine is misfiring right now. Pull over and read the code: the fix is usually $80 to $400, the delay costs $1,500 up.
- Car Dashboard Symbols and Meanings: Warning Lights ExplainedAn unfamiliar symbol just lit up and you need to know whether to stop. Read the colour first, then find your symbol in the table: every one carries its verdict.
Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0507
Your car logged P0507. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €5-€550 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.
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