P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Quick answer: P0507 means idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected. Fixing the underlying cause typically runs $100 to $520 at an independent shop. Usually safe to drive.
- Severity
- Low
- Safe to drive?
- Usually safe to drive
- Typical repair
- $100 to $520
- Most likely cause
- A carbon-dirty electronic throttle body that cannot fully close, or one that was recently cleaned without the required idle relearn (the most common story behind this code)
What P0507 means
The computer targets a specific idle speed and constantly adjusts airflow to hold it. P0507 means the engine is idling meaningfully faster than the target, typically a few hundred RPM high, and the computer cannot pull it down. The usual explanation is unmetered air getting in somewhere, either past a dirty, gunked-up throttle body that no longer closes cleanly or through a vacuum leak. It also famously appears after someone cleans a throttle body or disconnects the battery without doing the idle relearn afterward.
Common symptoms
What drivers usually notice with this code.
- Idle noticeably higher than normal, often 200 to 500 RPM above usual
- The car creeping or surging forward at stops in an automatic
- Idle that stays high after warm-up instead of settling
- Slightly worse fuel economy
- Sometimes a hissing sound from the engine bay if a vacuum leak is the cause
Common causes
Ranked from most to least likely.
- 1A carbon-dirty electronic throttle body that cannot fully close, or one that was recently cleaned without the required idle relearn (the most common story behind this code)
- 2A vacuum leak: a cracked hose, a leaking intake gasket, or a brittle PCV line letting in extra air
- 3A stuck or failing idle air control valve on older cable-throttle engines
- 4A leaking or stuck-open purge valve feeding extra air at idle
- 5A misadjusted or sticking throttle cable on older vehicles
- 6A power brake booster leaking vacuum internally, which is easy to overlook
Can I keep driving?
Yes, a high idle is more annoying than dangerous, though it wastes fuel and can make the car creep harder at stops, so keep a firm foot on the brake until it is sorted.
Severity: Low. A flashing check-engine light always means stop, whatever the code says.
Ballpark cost
What P0507 usually costs to fix
A range, not a quote. What you pay depends on your vehicle, your area, and which of the causes above turns out to be the real one.
Typical parts and labor at an independent shop. Dealer rates run higher.
That spread is wide on purpose. P0507 points at a system, not a single part, so the real answer depends on what the diagnosis finds. Use the range to know what to expect. If an estimate comes in higher, it usually means the specific repair is more involved, and it is always fair to ask what is included.
Next steps
What to do next
Mention any recent work to the shop first, because if the battery was disconnected or the throttle body touched recently, a simple idle relearn procedure may be the entire fix. Otherwise the sensible sequence is a throttle-body cleaning with relearn, then a smoke test for vacuum leaks if the idle stays high. The parts involved are rarely expensive, so if a quote for this code climbs steep, ask exactly which component failed and how they confirmed it.
Walk in informed
Ask for the diagnosis in writing and which test confirmed it, so you understand exactly what is being fixed. Fixxr shows you what the job typically costs near you, so you can approve the work with confidence.
Sources & further reading
- NHTSA — Check for vehicle safety recalls — look up open recalls for your vehicle by VIN, free
- FTC — Auto repair basics — your consumer rights at the repair shop
- AAA — Car repair and maintenance costs — independent guidance on what repairs should cost
Cost ranges and guidance reviewed July 2026.
P0507 FAQ
P0507 questions, answered
Can I drive with a P0507 code?
Yes, a high idle is more annoying than dangerous, though it wastes fuel and can make the car creep harder at stops, so keep a firm foot on the brake until it is sorted.What does the P0507 code mean?
The computer targets a specific idle speed and constantly adjusts airflow to hold it. P0507 means the engine is idling meaningfully faster than the target, typically a few hundred RPM high, and the computer cannot pull it down. The usual explanation is unmetered air getting in somewhere, either past a dirty, gunked-up throttle body that no longer closes cleanly or through a vacuum leak. It also famously appears after someone cleans a throttle body or disconnects the battery without doing the idle relearn afterward.What are the most common causes of a P0507 code?
The most likely causes, roughly in order, are a carbon-dirty electronic throttle body that cannot fully close, or one that was recently cleaned without the required idle relearn (the most common story behind this code); a vacuum leak: a cracked hose, a leaking intake gasket, or a brittle PCV line letting in extra air; a stuck or failing idle air control valve on older cable-throttle engines; a leaking or stuck-open purge valve feeding extra air at idle. Mention any recent work to the shop first, because if the battery was disconnected or the throttle body touched recently, a simple idle relearn procedure may be the entire fix. Otherwise the sensible sequence is a throttle-body cleaning with relearn, then a smoke test for vacuum leaks if the idle stays high. The parts involved are rarely expensive, so if a quote for this code climbs steep, ask exactly which component failed and how they confirmed it.How much does it cost to fix a P0507 code?
Fixing the underlying problem behind a P0507 code typically runs $100 to $520 at an independent shop, including parts and labor. The exact figure depends on your vehicle and which part turns out to be at fault.
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