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P0507 — Idle Higher Than Expected

P0507 is set when the ECM commands the throttle to a specific idle RPM and measures actual idle higher than that target by more than a calibrated amount (typically 200+ RPM higher). The cause is almost always unmetered air entering the engine — a vacuum leak somewhere — or a stuck throttle body / idle control issue.

P0507 means idle higher than expected. A vehicle usually stays drivable short-term with this code, but it should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is vacuum leak (intake gasket, pcv hose, brake-booster hose, throttle-body gasket) (typically $80–$600). Causes and cost vary by make and model; confirm the root cause before replacing parts.

Severity: moderate powertrain Safe to drive (short term)

Reviewed by MECH AI Editorial · Last verified

What does P0507 mean?

P0507 is set when the ECM commands the throttle to a specific idle RPM and measures actual idle higher than that target by more than a calibrated amount (typically 200+ RPM higher). The cause is almost always unmetered air entering the engine — a vacuum leak somewhere — or a stuck throttle body / idle control issue.

What are the symptoms of P0507?

What causes P0507?

Cause Likelihood Estimated repair (USD)
Vacuum leak (intake gasket, PCV hose, brake-booster hose, throttle-body gasket) — Most P0507 codes trace to unmetered air entering the engine. Most common $80–$600
Carbon-coked throttle body keeping the blade slightly open Common $20–$200
Failed or sticking idle air control (IAC) valve on older non-ETC vehicles Common $80–$300
Failed throttle body needing replacement and relearn Occasional $250–$800
Sticking accelerator pedal or throttle cable (older vehicles) Occasional $50–$250
Cracked plastic intake manifold Occasional $250–$900
EVAP purge valve stuck open (often sets P0496 alongside) Occasional $80–$300

Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by make, model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.

Is it safe to drive with P0507?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0507 active, but you should diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a moderate-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on your specific make and model.

How to diagnose P0507

  1. Confirm the actual idle RPM and check fuel trims

    Scan-tool live data should show actual idle RPM and the target. Look at Bank 1 LTFT: a high positive number (e.g. +15 % or more) confirms a real vacuum leak. Trims near zero with high idle point at a throttle body or EVAP issue rather than a leak.

    Tools: Scan tool with live PIDs

  2. Smoke-test the intake

    Pressurize the intake with smoke through a snorkel cap or the throttle body. Watch every gasket, hose, vacuum tee, the brake booster line, the PCV system, and the EVAP purge line. Smoke escaping anywhere is the leak.

    Tools: EVAP / intake smoke machine, Flashlight and inspection mirror

  3. Inspect and clean the throttle body

    Coked carbon at the throttle bore prevents the blade from closing fully — the engine pulls air around the blade that the ECM cannot fully control. Clean with throttle-body-safe cleaner (never carb cleaner) and a soft brush. Perform an idle relearn after.

    Tools: Throttle body cleaner, Soft brush, Service manual for the relearn procedure

  4. Test the IAC valve (non-ETC vehicles)

    On older vehicles with a separate IAC valve, command the valve with a scan tool and watch for idle changes. A valve that does not respond, or that idles correctly with the connector unplugged, is stuck or failed.

    Tools: Scan tool with IAC command

  5. Verify the EVAP purge valve is not stuck open

    A stuck-open purge valve introduces unmetered fuel vapor at idle, causing high idle and lean trims similar to a vacuum leak. With the engine idling, disconnect the purge valve — if idle smooths out, the purge valve is the cause.

    Tools: Hose disconnect tools

How do I fix P0507?

P0507 by make and model

Select your exact year, make, and model below to get a P0507 diagnosis tuned to your vehicle's known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.

P0507 on Chevrolet

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Related diagnostic codes

Common symptoms of P0507

P0507 often shows up as one of these symptoms. Start from what your car is actually doing:

P0507: frequently asked questions

What does diagnostic trouble code P0507 mean?

P0507 is set when the ECM commands the throttle to a specific idle RPM and measures actual idle higher than that target by more than a calibrated amount (typically 200+ RPM higher). The cause is almost always unmetered air entering the engine — a vacuum leak somewhere — or a stuck throttle body / idle control issue.

What are the symptoms of P0507?

Check Engine Light is illuminated. Engine idles noticeably high (1000-1500 RPM instead of 700-900). Possible whistling or hissing sound from the intake area. Reduced fuel economy. Hesitation as the engine tries to slow when stopping. May be paired with P0171 (lean code)

What causes P0507?

Vacuum leak (intake gasket, PCV hose, brake-booster hose, throttle-body gasket) (most-common). Carbon-coked throttle body keeping the blade slightly open (common). Failed or sticking idle air control (IAC) valve on older non-ETC vehicles (common). Failed throttle body needing replacement and relearn (occasional). Sticking accelerator pedal or throttle cable (older vehicles) (occasional). Cracked plastic intake manifold (occasional). EVAP purge valve stuck open (often sets P0496 alongside) (occasional)

Is it safe to drive with P0507?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0507 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a moderate-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Specific tolerance varies by make and model.