Vacuum leak from a cracked or disconnected intake hose, intake manifold gasket, or vacuum line.; Carbon buildup on the throttle body or a dirty throttle plate that prevents it from closing fully.; A faulty or sticking idle air control (IAC) valve or electronic throttle body (ETB) that fails to return to the commanded position.; A stuck-open or leaking purge solenoid in the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system allowing unmetered fuel vapor into the intake.; A malfunctioning positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve or hose that creates a vacuum leak.; A faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor reporting a cold engine when it is warm, causing the ECU to command a higher idle.; A power steering pressure (PSP) switch stuck closed, signaling the ECU to raise idle speed unnecessarily.

DTC codes / P05xx · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs / P0507

P0507Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected

Q: What does code P0507 mean?

Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected. P0507 means the engine computer (ECU) has detected that the engine idle speed is higher than the target RPM it commands when the throttle is closed and no load is applied. The ECU monitors idle speed through the crankshaft position sensor and compares it to the desired idle curve stored in its memory, then sets this code when the actual speed exceeds the expected value by a calibrated margin for a set time.

P0507 means the engine computer (ECU) has detected that the engine idle speed is higher than the target RPM it commands when the throttle is closed and no load is applied. The ECU monitors idle speed through the crankshaft position sensor and compares it to the desired idle curve stored in its memory, then sets this code when the actual speed exceeds the expected value by a calibrated margin for a set time.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

Symptoms you may notice

Engine idles noticeably faster than normal, often 200–400 RPM above the specified idle speed.
The vehicle may creep forward more strongly than usual when in gear at a stop.
A rough or surging idle may occur as the ECU tries to correct the speed.
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates on the dashboard.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the idle increase is modest.
Possible hesitation or a brief flare in RPM when coming to a stop.

Common causes, most likely first

Vacuum leak from a cracked or disconnected intake hose, intake manifold gasket, or vacuum line.
Carbon buildup on the throttle body or a dirty throttle plate that prevents it from closing fully.
A faulty or sticking idle air control (IAC) valve or electronic throttle body (ETB) that fails to return to the commanded position.
A stuck-open or leaking purge solenoid in the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system allowing unmetered fuel vapor into the intake.
A malfunctioning positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve or hose that creates a vacuum leak.
A faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor reporting a cold engine when it is warm, causing the ECU to command a higher idle.
A power steering pressure (PSP) switch stuck closed, signaling the ECU to raise idle speed unnecessarily.

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect all intake and vacuum hoses for cracks, loose clamps, or disconnected lines, and repair any leaks found.
Clean the throttle body and throttle plate with approved cleaner, then perform a throttle relearn procedure if required.
Check the IAC valve or electronic throttle body for carbon buildup or sticking, and test its operation with a scan tool.
Use a scan tool to monitor live data: compare commanded idle speed to actual RPM, and check coolant temperature and power steering pressure switch status.
Perform a smoke test on the intake system to locate hidden vacuum leaks that visual inspection misses.
Test the EVAP purge solenoid for proper sealing and operation, and replace if it leaks or sticks open.
Verify the PCV valve and hose are functioning correctly, and replace if clogged or damaged.

Hidden Causes of High Idle Speed

A dirty throttle body is the most common cause of P0507 on drive-by-wire vehicles, but many technicians replace the throttle body before trying a proper cleaning and relearn.
A stuck-open EVAP purge solenoid can act like a vacuum leak and raise idle speed without setting any EVAP codes, so it is often overlooked.
The code can be set by a faulty coolant temperature sensor that reads colder than actual, causing the ECU to command a fast idle even when the engine is warm.
A power steering pressure switch stuck in the closed position can trick the ECU into thinking the steering is under load, raising idle speed unnecessarily.
After any throttle body cleaning or replacement, a throttle position relearn procedure is mandatory on many vehicles; skipping it can immediately reset P0507.

Can I keep driving with P0507?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid extended driving because a high idle makes the car creep forward harder at stops, raises fuel consumption, and extra wear on the transmission and brakes. Do not ignore the warning light, as the underlying cause may worsen.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.