P0507: Idle speed higher than expected
The engine idles at more revs than the ECU is asking for. Usually an air leak, a throttle that does not close fully or the idle valve.
| Code | P0507 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P05xx, Speed, idle and auxiliary inputs |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0507 means
The ECU sets a target idle speed and closes the air passage so as not to overshoot. If the engine stays above target even with everything closed, it concludes air is getting in elsewhere or something is not shutting. That is why an air leak is the classic cause.
Most common causes
- Air leak from a split or disconnected vacuum hose
- Leaking intake manifold or throttle body gasket
- Throttle not closing fully due to dirt or a tight throttle cable
- Idle valve stuck open
- Leaking brake servo or crankcase breather hose
Symptoms
- High idle, sometimes with a hissing sound
- Car creeping forward more than usual when you release the brake
- Engine warning light on
Can you drive with P0507?
With care You can drive, but with a high idle the car creeps more and uses more fuel. Get it checked soon, especially if you hear hissing.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
With the engine idling, listen for a hiss around the intake and check the rubber hoses. On the scanner, look at short and long term fuel trims: if they are strongly positive at idle, an air leak is almost certain.
How to read and clear P0507 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0507 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0503 Vehicle speed sensor intermittent, erratic or high
- P0504 Brake switch A/B correlation
- P0505 Idle control system malfunction
- P0506 Idle speed lower than expected
- P0508 The idle air control system gives a lower signal than normal
- P0509 The idle air control system gives a higher signal than normal
- P050A The cold start idle air control system gives readings outside the normal range
- P050B The cold start ignition timing gives readings outside the normal range
- P0500 Vehicle speed sensor malfunction
- P0501 Vehicle speed sensor range/performance
- P0502 Vehicle speed sensor circuit low input
- P0513 Incorrect immobiliser key
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Accelerator.
What does code P0507 mean?
The ECU sets a target idle speed and closes the air passage so as not to overshoot. If the engine stays above target even with everything closed, it concludes air is getting in elsewhere or something is not shutting. That is why an air leak is the classic cause.
Can you drive with P0507?
You can drive, but with a high idle the car creeps more and uses more fuel. Get it checked soon, especially if you hear hissing.
How do you clear P0507?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0507 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
