Are you experiencing some weird symptoms like high engine idle and you got the code P0507 after scanning the car for trouble codes? Well, if this is the case and you are in this trouble, then you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover on this topic.
Having a problem like this can be really frustrating. Mainly because you get a check engine light and you don’t know what this check engine light means in the first place. What could it be? Is it something serious or maybe not? You keep asking these questions all over again.
But the important thing when it comes to these issues is not to panic. The more you panic the worse it can get. Some problems are critical and some of them are not that bad and you could keep on driving for a long time before you decide to fix the problem.
But how you can know why is the check engine light there? This is why you need to learn car diagnostics. And in the first chapter, we are going to cover the basics of this type of diagnosis and we will guide you through the whole process of fixing this P0507 code.
First, as we mentioned, we will cover the basics of car diagnostics. Then we will cover the code P0507 and we will learn what does it mean. Beyond that, we will dive into the causes and also the symptoms that you will experience when facing this type of problem. Then we will learn how you can diagnose the issue. So, if you want to learn more, follow along till the end.
Introduction To Car Diagnostics
Before you start your journey into sorting the P0507 code you first need to familiarize yourself with car diagnostics. I bet many of you are already familiar. But still, there are a ton of people who read this and do not know anything about diagnosing problems on their cars.
This is why we make a good introduction to this field. So, if you already are familiar, you can jump to the next chapters that elaborate more on the problem. If not, keep up with us for a bit.
First thing first, it is important for you to know that in modern cars everything is electronically regulated. It’s not like back in the day when you tweaked the distributor a bit, a little bit of carburetor work, and call it a day. Nowadays, things are much more complex.
Everything is regulated electronically and there are a countless number of sensors in each car. All of them are regulated by something known as ECU or engine control unit. Some manufacturers call it ECM or PCM. It’s the same thing basically. This is the car computer. The brain of the car.
So, whenever there is something wrong, something gets reported to this computer. If there is a problem, the computer will decide to show the check engine light.
This light’s meaning is very vague. You will need to perform a scan to determine what could be the cause of the problem. And for this, you will need a scan tool. Also known as OBD2 scanner. Each car has a port where you can plug this tool in. Then let it scan and the problems will be reported to you. Let’s say that you got the P0507 code, well more on this code in the next chapter.
P0507 Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
So, we learned what is car diagnostics and how it is performed. If you are already familiar with the P0507 code, then you have probably done your scan and you are aware of the issue.
There are scanners that will share you a ton of info, but there are some scanners that will only tell you what the specific code is only. So, then you need to do your own research. That’s why we are going to help you out by elaborating more on this code.
So, the simple meaning of this code is “P0507 Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected”. But what does all this means in the first place?
Well, this means that you have a problem with the RPMs of your engine. There is a fluctuation in the revolutions per minute. Meaning that sometimes the engine will work on higher RPM and sometimes on lower than usual, on idle of course.
So, if you notice some strange idling, then this might be one of the codes that you are going to get. Usually, whenever the idle of the engine gets 200 RPM higher, or 200 RPM lower than expected, you will get a code like this.
In this case, the code clearly tells you that the engine works on higher RPM most of the time. Which is not good, to be honest. Any abnormality that you will notice should be alarming for you. But is the P0507 Honda code serious after all? Well, that’s what we are going to cover in the next chapter.
Is The P0507 Code Serious?
We elaborated more on the P0507 code and we concluded that this is a problem with the throttle of the car. Meaning that the throttle gets too high on the redline at idle speeds. Basically, as someone is pushing the gas pedal for you. Whenever the car does this on its own, it means that there is an issue. But is this issue serious enough for you to be alerted?
Well, it depends on how you look at this problem. If you want everything to be working well and sorted on your car, then the problem is serious and you need to address it.
Or if you are one of those folks that do not bother a lot and want to know if they can drive a car like this, then the answer is yes, you can keep driving your vehicle in this state. But it is advised that you sort out the problem sooner or later because it could affect other components of your car.
In my opinion, everybody should make sure that everything on their car works 100% all of the time. You just don’t want to drive around in a basket case that is full of issues.
If you feel that the car is problematic better sell it and make some money than leave it like this so the problems pile up and the only way it could go is into the junkyard. That’s why you should sort out the P0507 Nissan code. But how you can do this if you don’t know the causes. And that’s what we are going to cover next.
Causes For The P0507 Code
Now as we cleared the basics of diagnostics and what the code P0507 represents and the level of criticality when it comes to this error. Let’s now cover the causes of this code.
Knowing the causes will help you out immensely when it comes to troubleshooting the matter and finding out what could be the culprit. So, what are the possible causes? Let’s find out.
1. Vacuum Leaks From The Intake Manifold
The first and most probable cause is vacuum leaks in the intake manifold. This is quite common on some engines because they use cheap rubber gaskets that over a long time become really hard and allow unmetered air to enter into the intake manifold and cause you a P0507 Chevy code.
Whenever you notice this code, this is one of the first things that you need to check if you want to overcome the issue quickly. Replacing these gaskets is a relatively easy as well as cheap thing to do. Since they do not cost more than $30. We know that fixing this problem isn’t easy and there could be some other reasons why it appears. And more on that up next.
2. Bad Idle Air Control Valve Or Faulty IAC Circuit
The second thing you need to check is the idle control valve. You need to make sure that this component does not produce errors.
What happens sometimes is that this valve can go bad and cause you a lot of trouble like in this case with the P0507 Chevy code.
What is important for you in this situation is to see if there are codes that indicate a problem with this valve that controls the idle air that enters the intake manifold.
You can test it out with a multimeter, just to be sure that this is not causing the problem for you. Sometimes the electrical circuit can also get worse because of rust development or bad contact. So, checking the connections might be a good idea.
3. Clogged Up Throttle Body With Carbon
The third also a very common symptom for the P0507 Chevy is the problem with the throttle body. But why is that the case?
Well, it’s simple to explain. The throttle body should be closed when the engine is idling. Whenever there is too much carbon buildup on the throttle body, it could cause the butterfly flap to stick and stay open.
Whenever the flap is open, there will be more air getting into the intake, resulting in a P0507 code and high RPMs at idle speed.
When trying to sort out this problem. It is often advised to check the condition of this flap and see if it has debris around it. If it does, then you need to clean it or replace the whole throttle body since this stuff is really difficult to remove.
4. Malfunction In The EVAP System
Another very common thing that could cause this problem is the EVAP system. This is an emissions system that most cars have. It basically collects the fumes from the gas tank and drives them into the intake manifold and then into the combustion to burn.
In charge of this operation is the purge valve solenoid that allows these gases to go into the intake when there is enough pressure. Sometimes though, this purge valve can stay in a fully open position. And then in this position allow the vapors to enter the engine uncontrollably causing a P0507 code in the process. The solution is to inspect this system and see if this purge valve works well. If it doesn’t, replace it and problem solved.
5. EGR Valve Leaking Vacuum
Another cause can be the EGR valve. This valve is also an emissions device that is there to regulate the exhaust gases and burn the NOx particles.
This valve basically drives some of the gas from the exhaust into the intake, this valve works with the help of a vacuum. EGR often can get clogged and cause trouble. But sometimes it can stay in a fully open position and the flow of gas is interrupted. Allowing a lot of gas to enter the engine. Causing a ton of issues and the P0507 Chevy in the process.
6. Bad PCV Valve
And the last cause that we would like to cover is the problem with the PCV valve. If you don’t know during the work of the engine there are fumes and pressure that is built up. These fumes have to escape somewhere.
And this is the role of the positive crankcase ventilation system. To allow these gases to escape. But we do not want to let them into the atmosphere but to drive them into the intake manifold. And now you see where we are going. This valve fails and lets too much gas flow into the intake and causes the P0507 code. Now let’s cover the symptoms of this code.
Symptoms Of The P0507 Code
Now as we discussed the causes for the trouble code P0507. Let’s now focus on the symptoms that will be present when this code is occurring on your car.
As you probably know, whenever there is a problem there are symptoms and causes. We have covered the causes, now let’s focus on the symptoms.
1. Check Engine Light
The first symptom obviously will be the check engine light. That’s why you are here after all. You scanned the car and you got the P0507 code.
But what is worth noting is that this code is mainly of informative character. There are probably other codes on your scanner that indicate a problem with some other component from the ones that we listed in the cause section. So, if you have other codes, please make sure that you check them and inspect the codes to determine the issue.
2. Rough And High Engine Idle
The second symptom that is worth noting when it comes to the P0507 code is the rough or high engine idle.
You will notice how the tachometer needle is not at 800 RPM where it should normally be. But somewhere at about 1000 RPM or 1100 RPM. And this is no good.
This indicates that there is a problem since this is not the normal idle RPM that your engine should have. So, make sure that you further investigate the matter and see what is causing it. But more on that in a bit.
3. Increased Fuel Consumption
The last symptom that we are going to cover is the increased fuel consumption. This is also a common symptom that will occur if you run your car at idle for quite a lot. The fuel economy will get worse.
It could get worse by 5 MPG or even more in some instances. That’s why you need to diagnose the code P0507 Nissan. And how you can do that we are going to explain in the following chapter.
How To Diagnose & Fix The P0507 Code?
The way you can diagnose a P0507 really depends much on the other codes that you get. When you scan the vehicle for codes, you will probably get other codes in the process. And some of these codes should be related to one of the causes that we listed.
Namely, the EVAP system, EGR valve, PCV valve, and the idle controller. If there are no codes concerning these components. Then you need to put up your sleeves and dive deeper into the problem.
You will need to check the condition of the throttle body first. Make sure that there is no carbon buildup and that the flap opens and closes as it should.
Then check the EGR valve manually and see its condition, then replace the intake manifold gaskets or the manifold itself if it’s cracked. All these things can cause your car to develop issues like this.
So, the fix really depends much on the root of the cause. You will need to be persistent and troubleshoot each of these components with a multimeter and see if some of them are bad and then replace the faulty component.
Solving this problem could get difficult, but you should not be worried since if you cannot do this work, you can always take it to a shop and they will see what they could do about it. It might be expensive. But will be worth it. But how expensive it could be? Let’s find out next.
Cost To Fix The P0507 Code
So, we covered the problem, with the P0507 code, the causes why it happens, and the symptoms that it causes. Now let’s see what is the cost to sort this problem out. How much you can expect to pay to sort out this issue?
Well, this really depends. For diagnostics, if you go to a shop, you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $400. It might take a while because this issue can be tricky.
And for the labor, it really can depend much on what needs to be done. But for sure it will be in the range of $300 or less.
The parts cost can also depend if it’s only a PCV or a purge valve that can cost $30 or something expensive like an intake manifold or a throttle body that can cost up to $500.
P0507 Nissan Altima
The P0507 Nissan Altima is quite common and it can happen on Altimas quite frequently. Mainly by design, their engine is more prone to develop error codes like this one.
The main problem is often caused by the throttle body itself or any of the other things that we have mentioned in the article. What you can do in this situation is to do an idle relearn. So, the car relearns how to idle properly. In the video, you can see how this is done right.
P0507 Jeep Grand Cherokee
On Jeeps, this P0507 Jeep Grand Cherokee code is also quite often the case. This problem on Jeeps often is caused by vacuum leaks.
These vacuum leaks as we noted are leaks that happen around the intake manifold. More precisely the intake manifold, throttle body flap, the PCV valve, purge valve, or some other vacuum line. You can check how the guy in the video has located the leak in the tube for the EGR system.
P0507 Honda Accord
The P0507 Honda Accord is a really common problem on a lot of different Honda engines. This code should not scare you at all. But you should definitely fix it.
Luckily, when it comes to Hondas, this problem is often caused by the throttle body. In most cases is the idler control valve on the throttle body. This valve basically stops working and causes this issue. How the diagnostics are done, you can check in the video above.
Facts About Fixing a P0507 Code
- A P0507 code is a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) triggered when the idle control system has an excessively high RPM or ‘high idle’ while idling the car.
- The idle control system prevents the engine from stalling when the car is in idle speed mode, allowing it to run other power-consuming features.
- Symptoms of the P0507 code include a noisy engine in idle mode, rough idling, the car threatening to stall frequently, and difficulty accelerating.
- Causes of the P0507 code may include leaks in the intake manifold, malfunctioning idle air control valve, power steering pressure switch malfunction, or excessive carbon build-up in throttle air intakes.
- You can still drive with a P0507 code, but it may lead to engine stalling, difficulty starting the car, and rough engagement during transmission.
- To diagnose a P0507 code, a trained technician can use an OBD-II scanner to check and show the triggered code, clear the codes, and replicate the malfunction.
- To fix a P0507 code, the technician will inspect the vehicle for air leaks or torn vacuum lines, thoroughly check the throttle body, and test the ROM speed of the control unit and the power steering pressure switch.
- Common mistakes to avoid when fixing a P0507 code include prematurely replacing the throttle body, idle air control valve, or power steering pressure switch before a visual inspection or vacuum leak checks.
- Fixing a P0507 code can cost between $150-$500 on average, depending on the component to be replaced and the amount of labor involved.
- Average rates of some common components include throttle cable adjustment ($50-$100), electronic throttle body ($600), and cleaning the idle air control valve ($150-$600).
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the problem with the P0507 code.
First, we covered the basics of car diagnostics and how this is done on your car. Then we have covered the causes of this problem and the symptoms.
Then we learned how you can diagnose and sort the issue on your car. We focused on the Jeep, Honda, and Nissan models.
F.A.Q
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
What Is P0507 Code
The P0507 code is a trouble code that indicates that you have a problem with the idle RPMs. More precisely, you have high idle RPM. Which should not be the case. The ideal idle RPM should be 800. Anything above this will cause this code to appear.
What Causes Code P0507
This problem is mainly caused by vacuum leaks. Either the intake manifold or its gasket is bad. The idler control valve, the throttle body is clogged. Other systems that work with vacuum like the EVAP, and EGR can also be the cause of this problem.
How To Fix Code P0507
Fixing the code really depends much on what creates the problem. If the problem is because of a faulty intake then you replace the intake manifold or the gasket. If the problem is in the throttle body and the IAC you replace them as well. The EVAP solenoid and PCV valve also will need to be replaced if they are faulty. So, it really depends on what is causing the issue.
