P0507
Idle Control System RPM - Higher Than Expected
Vehicle speed & idle control
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0507 means the engine is idling faster than the ECM's target — the idle control system can't bring RPM down to where it should be. The most common cause is a vacuum leak letting in extra unmetered air, or a dirty throttle body. The car still runs, but a persistently high idle can make it creep at stops and lengthen braking, so it's worth fixing promptly.
High
Can I keep driving? Yes, but be careful — the engine idles faster than it should, which can make the car creep, lengthen stopping, and stress the brakes; have it fixed rather than relying on it long-term.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Idle speed higher than normal (fast/high idle)
- Idle that won't drop back down after warm-up
- Check-engine light on
- Car creeps or feels eager to move at a stop
Common causes
Most likely first
- Vacuum leak (intake gasket, hose, or PCV) letting in unmetered air — most commonLikely
- Dirty or carboned throttle body / idle air passageCommon
- Sticking idle air control (IAC) valve or throttle plateCommon
- Faulty coolant temperature or mass airflow sensor skewing idleLess often
- Stuck or leaking PCV valveLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and note whether the high idle appears warm, cold, or always.
- Check for vacuum leaks first — inspect intake hoses, gaskets, and the PCV system (the most common cause).
- Inspect and clean the throttle body and idle air passages.
- Test the IAC valve (where fitted) and confirm the throttle plate closes fully.
- Check the coolant temp and MAF sensor readings. Repair the cause, clear, and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0507?+
It usually still drives, but a high idle can make the car creep and lengthen braking, so treat it as something to fix soon rather than ignore.
Can I just clear P0507?+
You can, but the high idle and code return until the vacuum leak or throttle/IAC issue causing it is repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P0507
Read & clear P0507 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX