P0507: Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)Fuel System
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.
What does P0507 mean?
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.
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.
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 (1,000-1,500+ RPM instead of 600-800)
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, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:
mediumStuck or failed idle air control (IAC) valve
lowFaulty throttle position sensor (TPS)
lowFaulty coolant temperature sensor (ECU thinks engine is cold)
lowAir leak after MAF sensor (unmetered air)
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.
P0507 on specific vehicles
P0507 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes, known issues, and adjusted cost estimates:
P0507 on Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry • 2007-2024
The Camry 2AR-FE uses an electronic throttle body without a separate IAC valve. P0507 is almost always caused by a dirty throttle body or vacuum leak. Toyota's idle relearn procedure requires idling with AC off, all accessories off, for 5 minutes after cleaning. The PCV valve hose is a common vacuum leak source.
What causes P0507 on a Toyota Camry?
Toyota CamryCarbon buildup on electronic throttle body
Toyota CamryPCV valve hose deterioration causing vacuum leak
P0507 on Honda Civic
Honda Civic • 2006-2024
The R18A Civic uses an IACV (idle air control valve) that commonly sticks. Cleaning it with carb cleaner often works. The 1.5T uses electronic throttle with no IACV. Honda's idle relearn: disconnect battery for 10 minutes, reconnect, idle for 10 minutes with AC off.
What causes P0507 on a Honda Civic?
Honda CivicStuck IACV on R18A (cleaning often resolves)
Honda CivicThrottle body carbon on 1.5T electronic throttle
P0507 repair cost for Honda Civic
Estimated costs for Honda Civic ownersadjusted lower than average due to Honda-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Clean throttle body
€5–€14
€0–€54
€5–€68
Easy
Fix vacuum leak (replace hose or clamp)
€5–€36
€27–€135
€32–€171
Moderate
Replace idle air control (IAC) valve
€27–€108
€36–€108
€63–€216
Moderate
Replace throttle body
€90–€315
€54–€180
€144–€495
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0507 on Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf • 2005-2024
VW TSI engines use electronic throttle and are prone to carbon buildup on the throttle body due to direct injection and PCV blow-by. The EA888 PCV diaphragm failure can cause a massive vacuum leak triggering P0507 alongside P0171. VW's throttle adaptation relearn requires VCDS or OBDeleven scan tool.
What causes P0507 on a Volkswagen Golf?
Volkswagen GolfPCV diaphragm failure causing vacuum leak on EA888
Volkswagen GolfThrottle body carbon from direct injection blow-by
P0507 repair cost for Volkswagen Golf
Estimated costs for Volkswagen Golf ownersadjusted higher than average due to Volkswagen-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Clean throttle body
€6–€17
€0–€69
€6–€86
Easy
Fix vacuum leak (replace hose or clamp)
€6–€46
€35–€173
€40–€218
Moderate
Replace idle air control (IAC) valve
€35–€138
€46–€138
€81–€276
Moderate
Replace throttle body
€115–€402
€69–€230
€184–€633
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0507 on BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW electronic throttle bodies on N52/N55/B48 can develop carbon deposits. The N52 is especially prone due to its Valvetronic system. Cleaning requires removing the intake boot. BMW's throttle adaptation relearn requires ISTA or BMW-compatible scan tool. DISA valve failure on N52 can also cause high idle.
What causes P0507 on a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 SeriesThrottle body carbon with Valvetronic interaction on N52
BMW 3 SeriesDISA valve failure causing unmetered air on N52
P0507 repair cost for BMW 3 Series
Estimated costs for BMW 3 Series ownersadjusted higher than average due to BMW-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Clean throttle body
€7–€21
€0–€84
€7–€105
Easy
Fix vacuum leak (replace hose or clamp)
€7–€56
€42–€210
€49–€266
Moderate
Replace idle air control (IAC) valve
€42–€168
€56–€168
€98–€336
Moderate
Replace throttle body
€140–€490
€84–€280
€224–€770
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related diagnostic codes
These codes are often seen alongside P0507 or indicate related issues:
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.
