P0507 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

What Does Code P0507 Mean?

• P0507 definition: Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
• Issue Severity: LOW – Continued driving for a short period of time is okay
• Repair Urgency: Get this fixed within the next month to prevent drivability problems and excessive fuel consumption.
• Diagnosis: This trouble code will not prevent your vehicle from driving, but you may experience engine stalling, high idle rpm, harsh engagement of transmission, difficulty starting, and/or surging idle. Use the FIXD Sensor and app to diagnose P0507 yourself, see the most likely fix and cost for this code, access our Mechanic Hotline, and more.
• Common Reason: Code P0507 is often related to a vacuum leak.

The P0507 code is triggered when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the engine is idling higher than the specified idle RPM range. The standard engine idle is usually between 600-800 RPM depending on the model of the vehicle.

P0507 Causes

There are many potential causes of code P0507.

• Intake/vacuum air leak (most likely cause)
• Faulty Idle Air Controller (IAC) Valve
• Faulty power steering pressure switch
• Faulty electric throttle control actuator
• Improperly adjusted throttle cable
• Carbon buildup on the throttle body

P0507 Symptoms

• Check Engine Light
• Hard to start engine
• Rough engine idle
• High engine idle
• Harsh engagement into drive or reverse due to high RPM at idle
• Engine stalling

How Do I Fix Code P0507?

With an idle fault, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem. The FIXD Sensor and app can help you diagnose and fix P0507 yourself by giving you access to detailed engine diagnostics that are easy to understand (even if you don’t know cars), live OBD2 data, and a Mechanic Hotline. You can even use FIXD to clear the fault codes on your vehicle and see if your fix worked, or simply turn off codes that aren’t serious.

> Click here to get FIXD for $19.99 for a limited time!

If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs. 

These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0507?

P0507 can be caused by anything from an intake or vacuum leak to a dirty throttle body to a faulty electric throttle control actuator. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first. 

If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0507 code.

Possible Repair Costs for P0507

For error code P0507, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.

• Clean Throttle Body $150-$250 labor, $20-$40 in parts
• Clean Idle Air Control Valve $150-$350 labor, $20-$40 in parts
• Fix Intake/Vacuum Leak $150-$250
• Power Steering Pressure Sensor $200-$350
• Electronic Throttle Body $600-$1000
• Idle Air Control Valve $150-$600
• Throttle cable adjustment $50-$100

DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0507

Engine code P0507 could be caused by a number of things, including dirty components, a vacuum leak, or failed parts. If you’d like to try to fix code P0507 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind this is an intermediate-level diagnosis and repair and not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.

DIY difficulty level: Intermediate

This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.

Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):

• FIXD
• Throttle body cleaner
• Idle air control valve cleaner
• Rags
• Spray bottle of water
• Basic hand tools

STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.

Use FIXD to scan your vehicle to verify P0507 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.

STEP 2: INSPECT THE INTAKE AND VACUUM LINES.

Conduct a visual and audible inspection of the vacuum lines, and any intake connections to make sure there are no signs of disconnection or outside air leaks. This includes the intake pipe between the throttle body and MAF. Listen for a hissing sound, which can be a sign of a vacuum leak. Spray water over the intake area and listen for an idle RPM stumble. If it goes down, there is an intake leak. Concentrate the stream on different hoses and gaskets until you find your leak.

STEP 3: CLEAN THE IDLE AIR VALVE AND THROTTLE BODY.

Remove carbon buildup from idle air valve and throttle body using their corresponding cleaners, ensuring opening and closing capability. DO NOT spray the throttle body with the cleaner. Spray it on a rag and wipe the butterfly surfaces and housing clean.

STEP 4: ADJUST THE THROTTLE CABLE.

If the vehicle has a cable-operated throttle body, make sure the cable isn’t adjusted too tight, causing the throttle to be slightly opened at idle. If it is out of adjustment, adjust to spec and retest.

If these steps haven’t worked, you may need to replace the power steering pressure switch, idle air control valve, or electronic throttle body. It’s also possible that the vehicle may need to have the idle air volume relearned. Most automotive repair facilities can perform these services.

Common P0507 Diagnosis Mistakes

Prematurely replacing the power steering pressure switch, throttle body, or idle air control valve before attempting to visually inspect and clean the carbon buildup in the idle air valve and/or throttle body, or check for vacuum leaks.

Still Need Help Fixing Code P0507?

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0507, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price. Don’t have a FIXD Sensor yet? Click here to get yours for just $19.99, including a free 14-day trial of FIXD Premium!

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