P0507
Idle Control System RPM Higher Than ExpectedP0507 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0507 means
P0507 is an SAE generic powertrain code that sets when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the actual engine idle speed is running approximately 200 RPM or more above the target idle speed. The ECM uses input from the crankshaft position sensor to monitor real-time RPM and compares it against the expected value for the current Idle Air Control (IAC) valve position and operating conditions. On drive-by-wire vehicles without a discrete IAC valve, the ECM controls idle speed by modulating electronic throttle opening; P0507 triggers on those platforms in the same way when measured RPM exceeds the commanded target.
The most common root cause is unmetered air entering the intake downstream of the mass airflow sensor — through a vacuum leak, a stuck-open IAC valve, a carbon-fouled throttle plate that cannot fully close, or a malfunctioning PCV or power-steering idle-up valve. Because extra air leans the mixture, P0507 is frequently accompanied by lean fuel-trim codes such as P0171 or P0174. Unlike its counterpart P0506 (RPM lower than expected), P0507 rarely causes a no-start condition; the vehicle typically remains drivable but exhibits a persistently elevated or erratic idle that can cause rough transitions, increased fuel consumption, and customer complaints of the car "revving on its own."
Clearing the code without addressing the underlying cause will result in an immediate re-set. After any mechanical repair — particularly throttle body cleaning or IAC replacement — an idle relearn or throttle position reset procedure must be performed so the ECM can re-establish its adaptive idle baseline.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0507 is logged.
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1
Stuck-open or carbon-fouled Idle Air Control (IAC) valve
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2
Vacuum leak in intake ducting, hose, or gasket downstream of the MAF sensor
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3
Carbon deposits on the throttle plate preventing full closure
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4
Defective or stuck-open PCV valve introducing unmetered air
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5
Faulty power-steering pressure (PSP) idle-up valve stuck in the open position
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6
Drive-by-wire throttle body fault or contaminated throttle position sensor
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7
ECM software bug or calibration error (check for applicable TSBs)
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8
Wiring fault or corrosion at the IAC valve or electronic throttle body connector
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0507
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Retrieve all stored DTCs and freeze-frame data; note any accompanying lean codes (P0171/P0174) or related idle codes (P0505/P0506/P0508) to guide diagnosis
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2
Inspect all vacuum hoses, intake boot, and intake manifold gaskets downstream of the MAF sensor for cracks, disconnections, or leaks; use smoke testing or propane enrichment if a leak is suspected but not visible
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3
Remove and inspect the throttle body: clean the throttle plate and bore with throttle-body-safe cleaner, then verify the plate fully seats when closed and moves without binding
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4
Test the IAC valve (if fitted): check connector for bent pins or corrosion, command the valve open/closed with a scan tool, and replace if mechanically stuck or unresponsive
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5
Check the PCV valve and power-steering idle-up valve: plug each inlet hose in turn and observe idle RPM change; replace any valve that does not respond as expected
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6
Check for applicable TSBs or ECM calibration updates from the manufacturer, especially on vehicles where all mechanical components test normal
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7
After any repair, perform the manufacturer's idle relearn or throttle position reset procedure, then road-test and confirm the code does not return
Related powertrain codes
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0507 code?
Generally yes — the vehicle is usually drivable with an elevated idle. However, the high RPM can cause harsh gear engagement on automatic transmissions, and ignoring the root cause (especially a vacuum leak) may lead to additional lean-related codes or catalyst damage over time. Prompt diagnosis is recommended.
What is the most common fix for P0507?
The most frequent repairs are cleaning a carbon-fouled throttle body or IAC valve, and replacing a cracked vacuum hose. On modern drive-by-wire vehicles, throttle body cleaning followed by an idle relearn procedure resolves the majority of cases.
Why did P0507 come back after I cleared it?
The code will return immediately if the underlying cause has not been fixed. Common oversights include a small vacuum leak that is easy to miss visually, or skipping the idle relearn procedure after cleaning the throttle body, which prevents the ECM from re-establishing its adaptive idle target.
Does P0507 affect all vehicles the same way?
No. On older vehicles with a cable-actuated throttle and a separate IAC valve, the IAC is the primary suspect. On newer drive-by-wire vehicles there is no discrete IAC valve — idle is controlled entirely by the electronic throttle body, so diagnosis focuses on throttle body cleanliness, throttle position sensor accuracy, and vacuum integrity.
Disabling P0507 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0507 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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