OBD-II · P0507
P0507 Code: Idle Too High — Where Is the Air Leaking?
Idle air control system RPM higher than expected
The short version
Drivable, but a high idle wastes fuel, makes smooth stops harder, and works the brakes more in traffic.
- Severity: Low
- Most common cause: Vacuum hose or intake gasket leak
- 5 diagnosis steps in order
- 4 symptoms tied to this code
Darker bars are the more common causes; bar length is the top expected repair cost. Start with the dark, cheap causes before the expensive ones.
Can I keep driving?
Drivable, but a high idle wastes fuel, makes smooth stops harder, and works the brakes more in traffic.
Symptoms
- Idle sitting at 1,100–1,800 rpm instead of 600–800
- Car creeping forward strongly when you lift off
- Whistling noise from the intake area
- Noticeably positive fuel-trim values
Causes & repair cost
Vacuum hose or intake gasket leak
Most common$40 – $250
Dirty throttle body needing cleaning and relearn
Most common$60 – $200
PCV valve stuck open
Possible$30 – $150
Sticking throttle cable or pedal position sensor
Possible$80 – $300
Failed IAC valve on older engines
Rare$90 – $350
Most cases resolve for $40–$250 between cleaning and a hose. The relearn step is important and often skipped after cleaning.
Estimate the repair for your carDiagnosis steps in order
- Read fuel trims — high positive numbers mean unmetered air
- Listen for whistling and spray cleaner near hoses to spot rpm changes
- Clean the throttle body, then run the idle relearn procedure
- Check the PCV valve by shaking it or briefly blocking it
- Verify free pedal and cable movement on mechanical systems
FAQ
Does cleaning alone clear the code?
Usually yes, together with an idle relearn; without it the ECM keeps old values and the code returns.
Does a high idle damage the engine?
It does not damage it quickly, but it raises fuel use and brake heat and loads the transmission at stops.
Why is the idle high only when cold?
A raised cold idle is normal to warm the converter faster; the code appears only if it stays high after warm-up.
Could a brake booster leak cause it?
Yes; a cracked brake-booster hose admits a large amount of air, raising idle and giving a harder brake pedal.
Related codes
All explained codes
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