A vacuum leak, or an air intake leak after the throttle body (OBD-Codes.com). Dirty, damaged or failed throttle body (OBD-Codes.com). Failed idle air control (IAC) valve or a fault in its circuit (both sources point to the idle air control system). Faulty or blocked PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve (OBD-Codes.com). EGR valve leaking vacuum (OBD-Codes.com). A fault in the EVAP system (OBD-Codes.com). On some vehicles, such as Nissan Altimas, an idle relearn that hasn't been done after a battery disconnect or throttle body cleaning (OBD-Codes.com).

Repair any vacuum or intake air leak. Replace a faulty PCV valve. Clean or replace the throttle body. Replace a failed idle air control valve or repair its wiring. Repair a leaking EGR valve or EVAP fault if found. Perform the manufacturer's idle air relearn procedure.

P0507🔧 Idle control / air intakeDrive with caution, fix soon

P0507: Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0507 mean?

P0507 means the engine is idling faster than the computer wants it to. The most common culprits are an air or vacuum leak after the throttle body, a dirty or failing throttle body or idle air control valve, or a stuck PCV valve. The powertrain control module (PCM) sets a target idle speed and adjusts it by letting more or less air past the throttle, either through an idle air control (IAC) valve or, on cars with electronic throttle control, by moving the throttle plate itself. RepairPal explains that P0507 sets when the PCM can't bring the idle down to the desired RPM. OBD-Codes.com says it sets when the idle speed is higher than the pre-programmed target, and that on GM vehicles (and possibly others) the threshold is more than 200 RPM above the expected idle. It is a generic OBD-II code, and OBD-Codes.com notes it is seen most often on Chevrolet, VW, Nissan, Audi, Hyundai, Honda, Mazda and Jeep vehicles. P0506 is the matching code for idle lower than expected, and P0505 is the general idle air control system code.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0507?

Drive with caution, fix soon. The sources disagree on how serious this is. RepairPal rates P0507 Urgent, its highest level, meaning get it checked right away. OBD-Codes.com calls it 'more of an informational code' and says that if the only symptom is the light, you can clear it and see whether it returns. In practice, a high idle can make the car creep or surge at stops, so be careful in traffic and parking lots, and get it diagnosed soon.

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0507 means

The powertrain control module (PCM) sets a target idle speed and adjusts it by letting more or less air past the throttle, either through an idle air control (IAC) valve or, on cars with electronic throttle control, by moving the throttle plate itself. RepairPal explains that P0507 sets when the PCM can't bring the idle down to the desired RPM. OBD-Codes.com says it sets when the idle speed is higher than the pre-programmed target, and that on GM vehicles (and possibly others) the threshold is more than 200 RPM above the expected idle. It is a generic OBD-II code, and OBD-Codes.com notes it is seen most often on Chevrolet, VW, Nissan, Audi, Hyundai, Honda, Mazda and Jeep vehicles. P0506 is the matching code for idle lower than expected, and P0505 is the general idle air control system code.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

The sources disagree on how serious this is. RepairPal rates P0507 Urgent, its highest level, meaning get it checked right away. OBD-Codes.com calls it 'more of an informational code' and says that if the only symptom is the light, you can clear it and see whether it returns. In practice, a high idle can make the car creep or surge at stops, so be careful in traffic and parking lots, and get it diagnosed soon.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Idle speed higher than normal (OBD-Codes.com says this is the most likely thing you'll notice)
Car may creep forward or surge at stops because of the high idle
Often appears alongside other codes, such as lean codes (P0171/P0174) or misfire codes, when a vacuum leak is the cause

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

A vacuum leak, or an air intake leak after the throttle body (OBD-Codes.com)
Dirty, damaged or failed throttle body (OBD-Codes.com)
Failed idle air control (IAC) valve or a fault in its circuit (both sources point to the idle air control system)
Faulty or blocked PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve (OBD-Codes.com)
EGR valve leaking vacuum (OBD-Codes.com)
A fault in the EVAP system (OBD-Codes.com)
On some vehicles, such as Nissan Altimas, an idle relearn that hasn't been done after a battery disconnect or throttle body cleaning (OBD-Codes.com)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Read all stored codes. OBD-Codes.com advises diagnosing any other codes first, since P0507 is often a side effect of another problem.
Inspect the intake air duct between the air filter and throttle body, and all vacuum hoses, for cracks, loose clamps or disconnected lines.
Check the PCV valve and its hose; replace the valve if it's stuck or blocked.
Clean the throttle body if it's coated with carbon, following your vehicle's procedure (some electronic throttles need a relearn afterward).
If your car needs an idle relearn procedure (common on Nissans), look it up for your model or have a dealer perform it.
If there are no symptoms other than the code, OBD-Codes.com suggests clearing it and seeing whether it comes back.

Typical fixes

Repair any vacuum or intake air leak
Replace a faulty PCV valve
Clean or replace the throttle body
Replace a failed idle air control valve or repair its wiring
Repair a leaking EGR valve or EVAP fault if found
Perform the manufacturer's idle air relearn procedure

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

You need an advanced scan tool to command the idle up and down and see whether the engine responds (OBD-Codes.com suggests this test)
The idle races very high (well above normal) or the car is hard to control at stops
The code returns after you've fixed leaks and cleaned the throttle body
Your vehicle needs a dealer-level relearn procedure

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Is P0507 serious?

The sources disagree. RepairPal rates it Urgent, while OBD-Codes.com calls it more of an informational code. A higher-than-normal idle usually won't damage the engine quickly, but it can make the car creep or surge at stops, and the root cause (often a vacuum leak) can cause other problems, so get it checked soon.

What is the most common cause of P0507?

OBD-Codes.com lists a vacuum or intake air leak after the throttle body first, followed by a dirty or failed throttle body, PCV valve, EGR, EVAP and idle air control faults. Checking for leaks and cleaning the throttle body are the usual first steps.

Can cleaning the throttle body fix P0507?

It can when carbon buildup is the cause, since OBD-Codes.com lists a dirty throttle body as a cause. Some cars with electronic throttles need an idle relearn after cleaning, or the idle may stay off.

How much does it cost to fix P0507?

Neither source gives a repair cost, and the price depends on the cause, from a cheap vacuum hose or PCV valve to a new throttle body. A shop diagnosis will pin down the cause first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.