P0507 Idle speed higher than the computer is aiming for

High idle / idle control system RPM higher than expected

Monitor

A high idle is an idle-control and emissions fault rather than an immediate danger, and Nissan's bulletin for this code on the Frontier applies to trucks with no drivability concerns, so you can usually drive while you book a check.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine stalls, surges up and down at idle, or idles so fast the car pushes hard against the brakes when stopped in gear. Honda's manual says a steady check engine light means you should avoid high speeds and get the car inspected promptly.

Source: how we rate severity

P0507 in short

P0507 means the engine is idling faster than the computer wants and it cannot bring the speed down. An air leak into the intake is the most common cause, followed by a dirty or faulty idle air control or throttle. It is usually safe to drive, but get it checked if the engine stalls or surges.

At idle the computer sets a target speed and adjusts the air going past the throttle to hold it. If the actual speed stays well above the target, it sets P0507. The OBD rules have the computer flag a fault when it cannot get within about 200 rpm above the target.

Extra air the computer cannot control is the usual reason. A cracked hose or leaking gasket lets air in behind the throttle, the computer closes its idle air path as far as it can, and the idle still stays high.

Some makers have found the computer's own logic or a weak battery behind the code. Hyundai, Jeep and Nissan have bulletins that update or reprogram the engine computer, and one Nissan bulletin has the battery tested and the idle air volume relearned.

Most likely causes

  1. Air leak into the intake after the throttle

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Unmetered air raises the idle, and when the leak is bigger than the idle control can offset, the engine idles too fast. Carley names a vacuum leak as the first thing to rule out before blaming the idle control.
    What would change this
    Rises if a smoke test finds a leak or long-term fuel trim is well positive at idle. Falls if the intake holds smoke and trims are near normal.
    How to test the vacuum hoses and intake leaks

  2. Idle air control valve or electronic throttle not controlling idle air

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    This is the part the monitor checks: the regulation requires the idle control system to be tested for a proper response to the computer, and a stuck or faulty idle air valve or wiring keeps the idle high.
    What would change this
    Rises if no air leak is found and the commanded idle air position does not change the idle on a scan tool. Falls if the idle drops normally when commanded.

  3. Engine computer software that needs an update (some models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Hyundai (2013 Elantra GT), Jeep (2018–2019 Wrangler) and Nissan (2016 Maxima, 2020–2021 Frontier) have bulletins that update or reprogram the engine computer for P0507. Jeep says to check the software before replacing any idle parts.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds your VIN is covered and the computer is not at the latest software. Falls if it is already up to date.

  4. Idle air learning lost, or a weak 12-volt battery

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    On the Nissan Kicks and Versa, Nissan's fix for P0507 (and P0101) is to test the battery, clear codes and run the idle air volume learning procedure. This is make-specific evidence, so it ranks below the general causes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared after a battery change, disconnection or throttle cleaning, or the battery tests weak. Falls if a relearn has already been done and the code returns.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and the freeze-frame data with a scan tool, and note any other codes stored with P0507.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an engine computer update for P0507. Hyundai, Jeep and Nissan have issued them.

    Low risk

  3. Have the intake smoke-tested for leaks, and compare long-term fuel trim at idle with trim at higher engine speed.

    Best left to a shopTool: smoke machine, scan tool with live data

    Warning:Leak testing is done with the engine running or the intake pressurised, close to hot and moving parts. Let a shop do it.

  4. With a scan tool that supports it, watch the idle air control or throttle position at idle and command it to change.

    Low riskTool: bidirectional scan tool

Symptoms

  • Idle speed noticeably higher than usual once the engine is warm
  • Check engine light with no other change in how the car drives
  • Hissing sound from the engine bay at idle
  • Engine stalls, surges at idle, or pushes hard against the brakes when stopped in gear Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

  1. With the engine off and cool, look over the visible rubber hoses on the intake for cracks or a hose that has come off.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open engine computer update for P0507.

Parts and cost context

  • Vacuum hoses and intake leaks:Hoses and gaskets are often the cheapest fix. Find the leak with a smoke test before buying parts. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Jeep

  • 2018–2019 · Wrangler

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA bulletin 9004112 says to confirm the powertrain computer has the latest software before replacing idle parts for P0507. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 9004112Status unverified

    Idle related components, P0507

    2018–2019wrangler · issued · NHTSA 10166536

    Check that the powertrain computer has the latest software before replacing any part for P0507.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Nissan

  • 2018–2021 · Kicks

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan bulletin NTB21-049 links P0507 and P0101 on the Kicks (and 2020–2021 Versa) to the 12-volt battery and the idle air volume learning. Test the battery and relearn before replacing parts. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2020–2021 · Frontier

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan bulletin NTB21-080 reprograms the engine computer when P0507 (with or without throttle sensor codes) sets with no drivability concerns. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • NTB21-049Status unverified

    MIL on with P0101 and/or P0507

    2018–2021kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10199172

    Test the 12-volt battery and recharge or replace it, clear codes, then run the idle air volume learning procedure. Covers 2018–2021 Kicks and 2020–2021 Versa.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB21-080Status unverified

    MIL on with P0223, P0507 and/or P2135

    2020–2021frontier · issued · NHTSA 10202255

    For trucks with no drivability concerns: confirm the engine computer part number and reprogram it if applicable.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB16057Status unverified

    MIL on with P0507 (ISC system)

    2016maxima · issued · NHTSA 10192837

    Confirm the bulletin applies, then reprogram the engine computer.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Hyundai

  • 2013 · Elantra

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin TSB-13-FL-008 updates the engine computer's idle air control logic for P0507 on the Elantra GT. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 21-AT-005HStatus unverified

    DTC P0507, idle speed control RPM higher than expected

    2016–2017tucson · issued · NHTSA 10188247

    Service information for a Tucson that sets P0507. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB-13-FL-008Status unverified

    ECM update for P0507 (Elantra GT)

    2013elantra · issued · NHTSA 10054170

    Updates the engine computer to revise its idle air control logic for P0507.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0101Airflow sensor reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects for the throttle opening

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    On the Nissan Kicks and Versa, Nissan treats P0101 and P0507 together: test the battery, clear codes and relearn the idle air volume.

  • P0171Engine computer has reached its limit adding fuel on bank 1: the mixture is lean

    Shares causes Possible — needs testing

    An intake air leak can both raise the idle and lean out the mixture, so P0507 and P0171 may share one leak. Smoke-test the intake first.

All Vehicle speed, idle control and engine electrical codes

P0507 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0507?

Usually, if the car drives normally. Get it checked soon if the engine stalls, surges or pushes hard against the brakes at a stop.

Should I replace the idle air control valve?

Not first. An air leak is a more common cause, and some makers fix P0507 with a software update. Test for leaks and check for bulletins before buying parts.

Why did P0507 appear after I changed the battery or cleaned the throttle?

Some engines need an idle relearn after the battery is disconnected or the throttle is cleaned. Nissan's bulletin for the Kicks and Versa uses a battery test and an idle air relearn as the fix.

Sources and review

  1. Nissan NTB21-080: MIL on with P0223, P0507 and/or P2135 (2020–2021 Frontier) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  2. Final Regulation Order: 13 CCR §1968.2, Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II), 2004 and subsequent model-year passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles (2015 amendments) — California Air Resources Board
  3. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  4. Troubleshoot Idle Speed Control System — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley)
  5. Engine Vacuum Leaks — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley)
  6. Hyundai TSB 13-FL-008: ECM update to revise idle air control logic for P0507 (2013 Elantra GT) — Hyundai Motor America / NHTSA ,
  7. FCA 9004112: idle related components, P0507 (2018–2019 Jeep Wrangler) — FCA US / NHTSA ,
  8. Nissan NTB16057: MIL on with P0507 ISC system (2016 Maxima) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  9. Nissan NTB21-049: MIL on with P0101 and/or P0507 (2018–2021 Kicks, 2020–2021 Versa) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  10. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  11. Hyundai 21-AT-005H: DTC P0507, idle speed control system RPM higher than expected (2016–2017 Tucson) — Hyundai Motor America / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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