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P0507 Severity
Identifying an OBD code is just the start of a complete diagnostic routine. Most trouble codes are caused by a sensor reporting a value that is out of range. Just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues. Be sure to understand the code, the part or system in your car that the code refers to, and the risks of delaying professional repair.
Proper diagnosis will save you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Urgent codes indicate immediate action is necessary. These are urgent and significant malfunctions that can cause severe damage to the vehicle or harm the driver and passengers.
The Idle Control System manages the engine idle speed. To raise or lower the engine Idle speed, the engine control module (PCM), opens or closes the Idle Air Control valve to allow more or less air into the engine. When the PCM cannot achieve the desired RPM, it will set code P0507.
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Fault Code Definition
The purpose of the Idle Control System is to manage the engine idle speed to meet the ever-changing loads placed on the engine, such as the use of air conditioning, heater blower motor, wipers etc.
Code P0507 sets when the idle speed is persistently above a pre-determined RPM level for a specified amount of time.
Want to learn more?
The idle speed is often controlled by an Idle Air Control Motor mounted on or near the Throttle Body of the Intake Manifold. In earlier vehicles, an Idle Air Stepper Valve or Motor is used. After the model year 2000, more vehicles began to use a 'drive by wire system', whereby the Idle Air System is incorporated into the assembly of the Electronic Throttle Body. With any of the above systems, to raise or lower the engine Idle speed, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) allows more or less air into the engine.
P0507 Diagnostic Theory for Shops and Technicians
When inspecting for the cause of an idle air control malfunction, I start by looking at the freeze frame data to get a picture of when the malfunction occurred. I also test the basic functionality of the system by turning the steering wheel as if were parking the vehicle while the vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling. This should energize the system and boost the idle rpm so the engine does not stall during the higher engine load, caused by the power steering pump working at or near maximum output. I pay close attention to the data stream to verify that higher rpm is requested and that the system system is responding. In addition to the above inspections I open up the throttle body and look at the throttle blade to see if it's clean or full of carbon.