P0507
Idle Control System RPM - Higher Than Expected.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Low severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- 5
- AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs
- 07
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0507 means the engine control unit has seen the idle speed sit higher than the target it is trying to hold. The ECU adjusts airflow through the idle air control valve or the electronic throttle to reach the target. When it cannot bring the revs down within its learned limits, it sets this code. The usual reason is extra air getting into the engine that the ECU is not metering.
Symptoms
- Idle speed noticeably high or hunting up and down
- Revs slow to drop when lifting off the throttle or stopping
- Engine management warning light on
- Surging or unstable idle when warm
- Occasional rough running or hissing from the engine bay
- Car feels jerky or creeps forward more than usual when in gear at idle
Possible causes
- Vacuum leak or unmetered air entry (split intake hose, cracked manifold gasket, perished vacuum pipe, leaking brake servo hose)likely
- Dirty or carbon-fouled throttle body or idle air passages, or a sticking idle air control valve where fittedlikely
- Throttle body or throttle position sensor fault, or throttle adaptation lost or incorrect after cleaning or battery disconnectionpossible
- Faulty coolant temperature sensor causing the ECU to believe the engine is cold and raise idlepossible
- Faulty crankcase ventilation hose or valve, or a leaking purge valve letting in extra airpossible
- High electrical load or charging system fault prompting the ECU to raise idle, or a fault in the air conditioning or power steering load signalsrare
- Wiring or connector fault, or outdated ECU calibration, depending on the model and enginerare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data to see engine temperature, load and speed when the code set.
- Check live data for idle speed against target, coolant temperature against actual temperature, and short and long term fuel trims.
- Visually inspect intake pipework, vacuum hoses, breather hoses and the air filter housing for splits, loose clips and disconnected pipes.
- Listen for hissing at idle and carefully check suspect areas for leaks, for example with a smoke machine.
- Inspect the throttle body for carbon build-up and check the throttle position values are smooth and plausible in live data.
- Check the coolant temperature sensor reading against a known good temperature and inspect its wiring and connector.
- Check battery condition and charging voltage, and confirm the idle speed does not change oddly with air conditioning, lights or steering load.
- Check the manufacturer's procedure for throttle adaptation or idle relearn for your model, and for any applicable software updates.
How to fix
- Repair or replace leaking hoses, gaskets or seals found in the intake or vacuum system.
- Clean the throttle body and idle air passages using the correct method for the model, then carry out the throttle adaptation or idle relearn.
- Replace a faulty idle air control valve, throttle body or throttle position sensor.
- Replace a faulty coolant temperature sensor or repair its wiring and connector.
- Repair the charging system or load signal fault if it is raising idle speed.
- Apply a manufacturer calibration update only if one is known to address this fault on your vehicle.
Can I keep driving?
Low severity
The car can usually be driven short term, but have it checked soon. A high idle can make the car harder to control at junctions and in traffic, and it may hide a vacuum leak that affects fuel economy and running.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.