What P0507 means
CARB requires the idle speed control to be monitored: gasoline engines must flag a fault if the target idle speed is not reached within +200/−100 rpm, diesels within ±30 %.
How the engine computer detects it
Older engines use a separate idle air control valve that bypasses the closed throttle; with electronic throttle the throttle itself controls idle and no separate valve exists. P0507 means the idle speed stays above target although the control is at its minimum – air bypasses the control or the throttle does not close. GM uses more than 182 rpm filtered (MIL after two trips), Ford gasoline +200 rpm, Ford diesel +160 rpm, Subaru +200 rpm for 10 s three times; on the Saab 9-4X three overspeed fuel cut-offs at standstill also set it. False air is the classic cause.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Idle speed too high
- Automatic car creeps at standstill
- Hissing from false air
Common causes
- False air (vacuum hose, intake gasket, brake booster) Most likely
- Crankcase ventilation leaking or wrongly routed Possible
- Throttle not closing fully (deposits, ice, stop misadjusted) Possible
- Idle valve stuck open Possible
- Wrong throttle learned value after cleaning or replacement Less likely
How to diagnose P0507
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: idle control, throttle body, idle air control valve, engine control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Vehicles that report P0507 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | 2003–2006 | 4 | — | |
| Nissan Rogue | 2023–2025 | 4 | — | |
| Ford Focus | 2015–2016 | 3 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0507 (27 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 5
- Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs
- 07
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0507?
Usually yes for a short time, if the car drives normally, the temperature gauge reads normal and the check engine light is steady. If the light flashes, the engine loses power or overheats, or other warning lights come on, pull over and have it checked.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0507?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Will P0507 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
Can I fix P0507 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0507. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.