P0507

What it means

P0507 on an Audi means the engine control unit saw the idle speed sitting higher than the target it is trying to hold. On most modern Audis the idle is controlled by an electronic throttle body, so the ECU has commanded the throttle to close as far as it should but the engine is still turning faster than expected. This usually points to extra unmetered air getting in, a throttle body that is dirty or not closing correctly, or an input that is telling the ECU to raise the idle.

Symptoms

• Idle speed higher than normal, often hanging at 1,000 rpm or more once warm
• Engine revs slowly dropping or surging when you lift off the throttle
• Engine management light on
• Hissing or whistling noise from the engine bay
• Rough or unstable idle
• Idle speed changing when electrical loads or the steering are used

Possible causes

• Vacuum or intake air leak (split hose, cracked intake pipe, leaking manifold gasket, brake servo hose, crankcase breather hose or PCV components)likely
• Carbon or dirt build-up in the throttle body bore preventing the throttle plate settling correctlylikely
• Throttle body not adapted or learned after cleaning, replacement or battery disconnectionpossible
• Faulty throttle body or throttle position sensor feedback, or a sticking throttle mechanismpossible
• Faulty coolant temperature sensor causing the ECU to think the engine is cold and raise idlepossible
• Charging system or electrical load issue making the ECU raise idle to compensate (depends on model and engine)rare
• Older models with a separate idle control valve: valve sticking or defectiverare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data to see engine temperature, load and rpm when the fault set, and note any related fuel trim or throttle codes
2. Check live data: compare coolant temperature with a known cold or warm engine, and check idle speed against the specified target
3. Visually inspect all vacuum hoses, intake pipes, crankcase breather hoses, the brake servo hose and the intake manifold area for splits, loose clips or disconnections
4. Check the intake system for leaks with a smoke test
5. Look at fuel trims at idle: high positive trims that fall at higher rpm suggest an air leak
6. Inspect the throttle body bore for carbon and check the plate moves freely, and check the connector and wiring
7. Check throttle position and related sensor values in live data for sensible, smooth readings
8. Check battery voltage and charging output, and confirm the engine is not being asked to raise idle by a load input

How to fix

• Repair or replace any leaking vacuum hose, intake pipe, breather hose or gasket
• Clean the throttle body using a suitable cleaner as per the manufacturer's procedure, then perform the throttle body adaptation or basic setting
• Replace a faulty coolant temperature sensor if its readings do not match actual temperature
• Replace the throttle body or its sensor if it sticks or gives implausible readings
• Repair the charging system or wiring faults if they are found to be affecting idle control
• Clear the code and road test to confirm idle returns to normal and the fault does not return

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P0507GenericIdle Control System RPM - Higher Than Expected

Nearby codes

• P0506AudiDefective or sticking Idle Air Control Motor, Intake Manifold Vacuum leaks, Carbon buildup in the Throttle Body air passages, Defective Power Steering Pressure Switch
• P0600AudiDefective PCM (Power Train Control Module), Defective PCM data bus wiring/connections, Defective PCM data bus ground circuit(s), Defective PCM or other control module controlled output devices, Defective CAN bus communication