Engine codes
P0507: idle air control system RPM higher than expected
At idle, the engine computer targets a precise speed, often around 650 to 800 rpm when warm. P0507 means the engine has been idling above that target and the computer could not bring it down.
P0507: can I drive, and what will the labor cost?
Estimated labor, clean the throttle body and run an idle relearn
$55 to $110
| Labor time (estimate) | 0.5 to 1 h |
| Rate used | $110/h |
| Technician wage, United States (average) | $27.13/h |
| Low: fix when convenient Usually safe to drive; a high idle makes the car creep in gear, so brake firmly at stops. | |
Labor only: parts and the diagnostic fee are not included. Hours are our estimate for a typical car; book times vary by model. Wage: BLS, May 2025.
P0507 is the generic OBD-II code for "idle air control system RPM higher than expected". On older engines, an idle air control valve opens a small bypass around the throttle to set idle speed; on recent ones, the electronic throttle itself opens a fraction. Either way, the computer reduces the air when the idle is too high. If it has closed the bypass or throttle as far as it can and the speed is still above target, it stores P0507. Extra air is getting in that the computer does not control. The most frequent source is a vacuum leak, through a cracked hose, a PCV fault or a leaking intake gasket. A dirty throttle body or idle valve comes next, followed by an electronic throttle that needs a relearn procedure after it was cleaned or after the battery was disconnected. It is usually safe to drive, but a high idle makes an automatic car creep forward, so brake firmly at stops.
After the repair: when does the light go off?
Light off by itself after about
2 days
| Fault-free trips needed | 3 |
| Warm-up cycles before the code can be erased | 40 |
| Stored code gone after about | 40 days |
Federal rule for model years up to 2016 (40 CFR 86.1806-05); a misfire or fuel fault must also stay away under similar conditions. Clearing codes with a scanner also resets the readiness monitors an inspection checks.
Codes, rules and labor data checked by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
P0507 at a glance
| Code | P0507 |
| Standard description | Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected |
| System | Idle speed control |
| Severity | Low: fix when convenient |
| Common symptoms | idle above normal, car creeps forward at stops |
The relearn that is often missed
Electronic throttles learn the position at which the engine idles correctly. Carbon in the throttle bore slowly closes the gap, and the computer compensates by opening further. When someone cleans the bore, or when the battery is disconnected, that learned value is wrong in the other direction and the engine idles high. Many cars relearn after a set sequence of key-on, idle and driving; some need a scan tool. The owner's manual or service information gives the steps, and following them often cures P0507 with no part at all.
Leaks that raise the idle
Unlike a lean code, which the computer sets when it cannot add enough fuel, P0507 is about air the engine can still burn: it simply runs faster. A hiss at idle, a hose that collapses when squeezed, or an idle that drops when you pinch a suspect line are clues. A smoke test of the intake is the definitive check. If P0171 is set too, a vacuum leak becomes the strongest suspect.
Other things that raise idle on purpose
The computer raises idle when the engine is cold, when the air conditioning compressor is on, and when the battery is being charged hard. A coolant sensor reading cold (see P0128) can keep the idle high as if the engine were still warming up. Compare the coolant reading on a scanner with the real temperature before cleaning or replacing parts.
Likely causes of P0507, in order
| Cause | How often |
|---|---|
| Vacuum leak letting extra air in | most frequent |
| Dirty throttle body or idle air control valve | most frequent |
| Electronic throttle needing a relearn after cleaning or battery work | frequent |
| PCV valve or hose fault | frequent |
P0507 repairs and labor time
| Repair | Labor (estimate) | At $110/h |
|---|---|---|
| Clean the throttle body and run an idle relearn | 0.5 to 1 h | $55 to $110 |
| Find and replace a leaking vacuum or PCV hose | 0.3 to 1 h | $33 to $110 |
| Replace idle air control valve (older engines) | 0.5 to 1 h | $55 to $110 |