Engine code
P0507: Engine idle higher than expected
How much to fix P0507? Typically $75–$180.
What it meansAt idle the computer sets a target engine speed and uses the throttle and idle control to hold it.
Safe to drive, but it may feel odd in traffic and could run rough.
Priced for cause 2 below: throttle body cleaning. Other causes on this list run $90 to $460. Estimate, not a quote.
Book a check soon.
Most likely causes, in order
The first one is the most common. Bars show what the repair usually costs, on one scale.
- Vacuum leakvacuum leak repair$90 to $460
- Dirty throttle bodythrottle body cleaning$75 to $180
- Faulty idle air controlNo set priceDepends on what the shop finds
- Intake gasket leakNo set priceDepends on what the shop finds
- Sticky throttle plateNo set priceDepends on what the shop finds
What it could cost, cheapest first
Start at the top. A diagnosis costs far less than guessing at a part.
- FreeLook firstDIY checks below, $0
- RepairThrottle body cleaning $75 to $180
- RepairPCV valve replacement $65 to $220
- TestDiagnostic scan (check engine light) $55 to $250
- RepairVacuum leak repair $90 to $460
- RepairThrottle body replacement $290 to $900
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $0 | $15 |
| Labor: about 0.7 to 1 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $75 | $150 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $75 | $180 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
Check this first (free)
- Spray cleaner made for throttle bodies on the throttle plate with the engine off, then listen for hissing with it running.
- A hiss near the intake or hoses shows a vacuum leak, which is a common reason for high idle.
What you may notice
- High idle
- Surging at stops
- Rough idle
- Poor mileage
Questions to ask the shop
- Will you reset the idle relearn?
- Will you clean it off the car?
- Is the intake checked too?
- Does my car need this as a normal service?
- Can you show me the old part, or the sensor reading, that proves this was the cause?
Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Get quotes from local shops
Got P0507? Tell us your ZIP and a shop near you can quote the repair. Free, takes a minute.
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Related codes
- P0171Engine getting too much air or too little fuel (bank 1)
- P0121Throttle position reading doesn't match
- P0505Idle control system problem
- P0300Random or multiple cylinder misfires
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
P0507 questions
Why is idle high?
Extra air is slipping past the closed throttle, through a vacuum leak, a sticky throttle plate or a stuck idle valve. The computer cannot reduce it, so the engine keeps spinning faster than the target.
Do I need an idle relearn?
After cleaning or replacing the throttle body, many cars need a relearn so the computer can reset its idle control. A scan tool does it in a few minutes, so ask the shop to include it.
Could a PCV valve be involved?
Yes. A PCV valve that sticks open lets in extra air that the computer does not measure, and raises idle. It is an inexpensive part, so a good shop will check it when tracing a high idle.
How much does it cost to fix P0507?
The main repair we price, throttle body cleaning, has a typical range of $75 to $180 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 big metro areas
Same hours. The labor rate and the local price of materials change between cities.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $85 to $210 |
| New York City area | $80 to $200 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $80 to $200 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $80 to $190 |
| Houston area, Texas | $70 to $180 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $70 to $180 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $75 to $180 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $80 to $190 |
| Miami area, Florida | $70 to $180 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $85 to $200 |
More engine codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.