P0507: Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Updated November 12, 2026
The engine is idling faster than the computer is trying to make it. That usually means extra air is getting in, or the idle control can't close down far enough.
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🔧 Want to check this yourself? An OBD2 scanner reads the code; models with live data also show the sensor readings used in the checks below. See code readers and scanners from $24.99 ↓ · Which scanner do I need?
Common causes
- A vacuum or intake leak after the throttle body
- A sticking throttle plate, or a throttle body that needs an idle relearn
- A faulty idle air control (IAC) valve on engines that have one
- A PCV valve stuck open
Code meanings can vary slightly by manufacturer. Use these as a starting point and confirm with your vehicle's service information or a mechanic before replacing parts.
Symptoms
- High or surging idle
- Check engine light
Is it safe to drive?
Usually drivable, but a high idle can make the car harder to control at low speeds.
How to check it with a scanner
- Plug an OBD2 scanner into the port under the dashboard and read all stored codes and the freeze-frame data (the conditions when the code set).
- Check for vacuum leaks around the intake.
- Inspect the throttle body. If cleaning it, do it with the ignition off, don't force an electronic throttle plate open, and keep fingers clear. Some coated throttle bodies shouldn't be cleaned, and many vehicles need an idle relearn afterward.
- Watch idle RPM and idle control readings in live data.
- After a repair, clear the code and drive normally for a few days to confirm it doesn't come back.
A basic code reader shows the code; scanners with live data let you watch sensor readings, which is what you need for most of the checks above. See OBD2 scanners under $100.
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Questions
What does P0507 mean?
P0507 is the generic OBD2 code for "Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected." The engine is idling faster than the computer is trying to make it. That usually means extra air is getting in, or the idle control can't close down far enough.
Is it safe to drive with P0507?
Usually drivable, but a high idle can make the car harder to control at low speeds.
How do I check P0507 myself?
Read the code and freeze-frame data with an OBD2 scanner, then: Check for vacuum leaks around the intake. Inspect the throttle body. If cleaning it, do it with the ignition off, don't force an electronic throttle plate open, and keep fingers clear. Some coated throttle bodies shouldn't be cleaned, and many vehicles need an idle relearn afterward. Watch idle RPM and idle control readings in live data.
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