P0507 Code – What Does It Mean & How To Fix It

This is one of the most frequent OBD2 trouble codes. Read the full article below to know what it means, how to fix it, and what other codes may show related to it.

Causes

There are several common causes that can lead to a  P0507 trouble code:

• A leak in the air intake of the vehicle.
• A clogged or faulty IAC valve.
• A buildup of carbon on the throttle body.
• A problem or fault with the power steering pressure switch.
• That the car's alternator has failed.

Any one of these reasons or failures can cause a P0507 trouble code to display on your OBD2 scanner.

Symptoms

There are also some common symptoms that your vehicle should have, in the event of a P0507 trouble code:

• First and most obviously, your check engine light should be illuminated.
• You may notice that your engine idles too high.
• It can also be possible that your engine fluctuates, while idling.
• Even while idling, the engine may experience rough idling.
• The vehicle may be hard or difficult to start.

Diagnosis

There are some logical steps that an experienced mechanic will go through to confirm that a vehicle does in fact properly indicate a P0507 trouble code:

• First, they will hook up their OBD2 scan tool to the vehicle’s DLC port and check for any codes present.
• They will note the DTC freeze frame data to reference after test driving the vehicle.
• Afterward, they will clear any codes that don’t appear to be the core issue.
• Then, they should perform a test drive to attempt to duplicate the malfunction.
• They will perform a visual inspection and check for any outside air leaks or a torn vacuum line.
• They should next inspect the throttle body for excessive carbon buildup and that the opening and closing function is working properly.
• Then, they will use their scan tool to check the rotations per minute, while the power steering pressure and IAC are tested.
• Finally, they should test the charging system to make sure it is working properly.

This is a fairly detailed outline of the methodical steps that a mechanic will take when investigating a P0507 trouble code.

Common mistakes

The most common mistakes are going to be made from simple oversights in working through the steps to properly diagnose the problem. When you don’t follow through each of these steps in order, it leaves room for errors in properly diagnosing the trouble code.

What can make this process complicated is that there are a few different, key systems involved in a P0507 trouble code. If any one of the systems is glossed over, parts that are working properly may be the ones that are replaced, while actual problematic parts may go untested or unnoticed.

How serious is this?

A P0507 trouble code will not immediately prevent the vehicle from driving to a safe location at the time that the malfunction occurs. The idle fluctuations may cause the vehicle to run suboptimally or give it some trouble, but in the majority of cases with a P0507 trouble code, this will not cause the engine to die.

What repairs can fix the code?

The most common repairs that can fix this trouble code are:

• Cleaning or replacing the idle air valve.
• Repairing the leak in the air intake.
• Repairing the charging system.
• Making sure the throttle body is clean.
• Replacing the power steering pressure switch.

Related codes

None listed.

Conclusion

Though a P0507 trouble code is not going to shut down your car immediately or put the vehicle or drive at an immediate or imminent threat, this is still an issue that should not be procrastinated.

Putting off the diagnosis of this trouble code could cause further, more harmful, and more expensive damage to the vehicle.