Engine code
P0507: Engine idle higher than expected
How much to fix P0507? Typically $75–$180.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $0 | $15 |
| Labor: 0.7 to 1 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $77 | $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.
This is the range for the most common fix, throttle body cleaning. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
At idle the computer sets a target engine speed and uses the throttle and idle control to hold it. This time the engine kept running faster than the target and the computer could not close it down. Extra air getting in around the throttle is the usual cause.
- Safe to drive?
- Usually yes, for now
- Most common cause
- Vacuum leak
Safe to drive, but it may feel odd in traffic and could run rough.
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What you may notice
- High idle
- Surging at stops
- Rough idle
- Poor mileage
Common causes, most likely first
- Vacuum leak
- Dirty throttle body
- Faulty idle air control
- Intake gasket leak
- Sticky throttle plate
Check this first
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.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0507
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Vacuum leak repair | $90 to $460 |
| Throttle body replacement | $290 to $900 |
| PCV valve replacement | $65 to $220 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
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 most common fix, 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 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| 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 |
Related codes
- P0171: Engine getting too much air or too little fuel (bank 1)
- P0121: Throttle position reading doesn't match
- P0505: Idle control system problem
- P0300: Random or multiple cylinder misfires
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.