P0507 code meaning
Idle Control System RPM - Higher Than Expected
Powertrain system Generic code P05xx codes Check engine light
What P0507 means
CARB requires the idle speed control to be monitored: gasoline engines must flag a fault if the target idle speed is not reached within +200/−100 rpm, diesels within ±30 %. Older engines use a separate idle air control valve that bypasses the closed throttle; with electronic throttle the throttle itself controls idle and no separate valve exists. P0507 means the idle speed stays above target although the control is at its minimum – air bypasses the control or the throttle does not close. GM uses more than 182 rpm filtered (MIL after two trips), Ford gasoline +200 rpm, Ford diesel +160 rpm, Subaru +200 rpm for 10 s three times; on the Saab 9-4X three overspeed fuel cut-offs at standstill also set it. False air is the classic cause.
P0507 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0507
- Idle speed too high
- Automatic car creeps at standstill
- Hissing from false air
Common causes of P0507
- Most likelyFalse air (vacuum hose, intake gasket, brake booster)
- PossibleCrankcase ventilation leaking or wrongly routed
- PossibleThrottle not closing fully (deposits, ice, stop misadjusted)
- PossibleIdle valve stuck open
- Less likelyWrong throttle learned value after cleaning or replacement
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Idle controlThrottle bodyIdle air control valveEngine control module
What each part of P0507 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 5 | Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs. |
| 07 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0507 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0507
What does P0507 mean?
P0507 means "Idle Control System RPM - Higher Than Expected". CARB requires the idle speed control to be monitored: gasoline engines must flag a fault if the target idle speed is not reached within +200/−100 rpm, diesels within ±30 %. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0507?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0507 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0507 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0507 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0507 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.