OBD codes / P0507
P0507
ModerateIdle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
P0507 is generally safe to drive with, though a high idle can make the car creep at stops and feel less controlled. It's low-risk mechanically. Because a vacuum leak is the usual cause (and also leans the mixture), it's worth a smoke test before replacing parts.
What this code means
P0507 is the opposite of P0506: idle speed is running HIGHER than the computer's target. The classic cause is a vacuum (air) leak — extra unmetered air sneaks in past the throttle and raises idle. A dirty throttle body that doesn't close cleanly, a stuck-open IAC valve, or a leaking PCV or intake gasket can do the same. Because a vacuum leak also leans out the mixture, P0507 often shows up alongside lean codes like P0171.
Symptoms you might notice
- High idle that won't settle to normal
- Idle hangs up between shifts or when slowing
- Possible hissing from a vacuum leak
- Sometimes paired with a lean code (P0171/P0174)
- Check-engine light
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $50–$500 · about ~0.3–2 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum / intake leak repair | $10–$150 | ~0.5–2 hrs |
| Throttle body cleaning | $8–$20 | ~0.3–1 hrs |
| Idle air control (IAC) valve | $30–$150 | ~0.3–1 hrs |
A vacuum leak is the most common cause and the cost depends on which hose or gasket it is — often cheap, occasionally an intake gasket job. A throttle-body clean or IAC valve is modest. A smoke test usually finds the leak quickly.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0507 for my exact vehicle →
How to fix P0507
Moderate — doable at home with common tools and patience
- Hunt for the vacuum leak first
Extra unmetered air is the classic cause of a high idle, so inspect every vacuum hose, the PCV hose and valve, the intake boot, and intake gasket edges. Listen for hissing at idle — a leak you can hear is a leak you can fix cheaply.
- Smoke-test the intake if nothing is obvious
A smoke machine fills the intake with visible vapor and shows exactly where air is sneaking in. If P0507 is paired with a lean code like P0171, that's strong confirmation a leak is the culprit — one repair should clear both codes.
- Verify the throttle plate closes fully
Remove the intake duct and check that the throttle plate seats cleanly with no carbon wedging it open, then clean the bore and plate edges. A plate held open even slightly passes enough air to raise idle noticeably.
- Check the IAC valve for sticking open
On engines with an idle air control valve, remove it and inspect for carbon holding the pintle off its seat; clean it or command it with a scan tool to confirm it responds. A stuck-open IAC feeds the engine idle air it didn't ask for.
- Relearn the idle and confirm
After the repair, perform the idle relearn and verify warm idle settles at the target RPM with no hanging between shifts. If idle is now correct and stays that way, you've found the air source.
DIY or shop? Hose inspection, throttle-body cleaning, and IAC checks are all realistic driveway work, and plenty of P0507s die right there. The step that pushes people to a shop is the smoke test — the machine finds hidden leaks (intake gaskets, brake booster, hard-to-see fittings) far faster than spraying and guessing. If the leak turns out to be an intake manifold gasket, weigh the labor honestly; that job is a bigger teardown than most home mechanics want.
Tools for the DIY steps: Throttle-body cleaner · Basic hand tools · OBD2 scanner with live data · Bright flashlight and inspection mirror · Replacement vacuum hose sections
Not sure which step applies to your car? Get the likely cause for your exact vehicle before buying anything for P0507.
Frequently asked
Can I drive with P0507?
Usually yes — a high idle is more annoying than dangerous, though the car may creep at stops, so use a little extra brake. Get the vacuum leak found and fixed when convenient.
What usually causes P0507?
A vacuum (air) leak is the most common cause — extra air raises the idle. A dirty throttle body, a stuck IAC valve, or a leaking PCV/intake gasket can also do it. A smoke test is the quickest way to find a leak.
Why do I have P0507 and P0171 together?
Because a vacuum leak causes both: the extra air raises idle (P0507) and leans the mixture (P0171). Fixing the single leak typically clears both codes at once.
How much does it cost to fix P0507?
Often inexpensive — a vacuum hose or a throttle-body clean. It rises only if the leak is at an intake gasket that takes real labor to reach. Confirm the leak location before parts.
Seeing P0507 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0507 for my vehicleSymptoms that trigger P0507
Drivers who get this code often notice one of these — each has its own likely-causes and cost guide:
Related trouble codes
Don’t have a scanner yet? A ~$25 Bluetooth adapter reads codes like P0507 from your phone — see our honest guide to the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters.
Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.