How to Fix a P0507 Code: Causes, Symptoms, and Cost

You know when the ‘Check Engine’ light in your car starts blinking, and you have no idea why? Chances are that it could be signaling one of the many Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) meant to tell technicians what is wrong with your car! In this post, we’ll discuss how to fix a P0507 code and other details you should know.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are part of a car’s Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) and tell you what problem is affecting your engine currently. If you hear an abnormally loud sound from your engine when it is in idle mode, it’s possible that you could be facing a DTC P0507 error code.

What does a DTC P0507  mean?

The P0507 code indicates that the idle control system has an excessively high RPM – also called a ‘high idle’.

When idling your car – which means keeping the vehicle’s engine running while it is not in motion – the Engine Control Unit (ECU) has to maintain a specific RPM range. The standard RPM range varies between 600-800 RPM depending on the model.

When the RPM is higher than expected, a P0507 code is triggered, which puts the vehicle in failsafe mode and causes the ‘Check Engine’ sign to light up.

What is the idle control system?

The idle control system essentially prevents the engine from stalling when the car is in idle speed mode. It allows the car to remain on while still running other power-consuming features like air-conditioning, alternators, and more.

What are the symptoms of the P0507 code?

A P0507 code can be easily identified by the car owner, even if you are inexperienced. Keep an eye/ear out for the following symptoms:

• If the ‘Check Engine’ light is on’
• The engine may sound noisier than usual when in idle mode
• When idling, the engine may seem rougher than usual
• If the car threatens to stall frequently when in idle mode
• If the car has trouble accelerating

What causes a P0507 code to occur?

A P0507 code can be a combination of several issues in the engine control unit. While it can be hard to find the problem without inspecting the whole unit, here are some possible causes:

• Leaks in the intake manifold
• Malfunctioning idle air control valve
• Fault in the power steering pressure switch
• Malfunctioning EVAP system
• Leak in the EGR valve
• Short circuits in the IAC
• Damage to the throttle body
• Excessive carbon build-up in throttle air intakes

Can you drive with a P0507 code?

Having a P0507 trouble code will not prevent you from driving your vehicle. You’ll be able to get it to the nearest workshop without too much trouble. However, you could experience engine stalling, difficulty in starting the car, rough engagement during transmission, and continuous high noise when idling.

How to diagnose a P0507 code

Either you or a trained technician can diagnose a P0507 code if you have a good OBD-II (Onboard Diagnostics) scanner. When you hook it to your car’s DLC port, the scanner will check and show you what code has been triggered.

After that, clear the codes from the system and do a test drive to replicate the malfunction and confirm the presence of the P0507 code. This will confirm the diagnosis and you can move ahead to fix the issue.

Also read: Find Out How to Fix Common Engine Error Codes

How to fix a P0507 code

When you give your vehicle to the workshop for fixing a P0507 code, here’s what the mechanic/technician will do.

• Do a visual inspection of the vehicle to see if there are any air leaks or torn vacuum lines
• Thoroughly inspect the throttle body to check if all the valves are opening/closing well.
• Check the throttle body for any carbon build-up that may be blocking air passages
• Test the ROM speed of the control unit and the power steering pressure switch
• Test the charging system

The technician may replace any of the components if they are found to be faulty. Once the codes are clear from the system, the vehicle can be taken on a test drive to check if the error code reappears.

Common mistakes to avoid when fixing a P0507 code

Don’t replace any component unless you are absolutely sure that it is the reason for the P0507 code. Common mistakes include prematurely replacing the throttle body, idle air control valve, or power steering pressure switch before visual inspection or vacuum leak checks.

How much does it cost to fix a P0507 code?

Depending on the component to be replaced and the amount of labor involved, fixing a P0507 code can cost between $150-$500 on average. Here are the average rates of some common components.

• Throttle Cable adjustment: $50-$100
• Fix Intake/ Vacuum Leak: $150-$250
• Change Power Steering Pressure Sensor: $200-$350
• Electronic Throttle Body: $600
• Idle Air Control Valve: $150-$600
• Cleaning the throttle body of carbon buildup: $20-$40 ($150-$250 labor charges)
• Cleaning Idle Air Control Valve: $150-$600

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