DTC P0507 – How To Test Idle Air Control

DTC P0507 – How To Test Idle Air Control

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The OBDII trouble code of P0507 will often be accompanied by other trouble codes, indicating problems with your idle. The wording of this specific error code is Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected. This means that there’s a problem with your ECU, your throttle body or the intake pipe in your VQ35DE or somehow, unmetered air is entering the motor, which raises the RPM artificially.

Unfortunately there’s no true Idle Air Control valve on your VQ35, at least not in the traditional sense. Your PCM or ECU controls the idle by allowing small amounts of air to enter the motor by way of the electric throttle control actuator. The throttle blade will allow your ECU to maintain a steady idle speed, which is aimed at a target value inside your ECU.

dtc-p0507-how-to-test-idle-air-control

This target value is the lowest possible RPM for your VQ35 to idle at. If your ECU sees the engine speed at idle more than 250 rpm over this value, the P0507 trouble code is triggered.

Your Nissan 350Z or Infiniti G35’s ECU or PCM controls the engine idle, by controlling the amount of air that enters past your throttle body blade. Because your VQ operates using an electronic throttle, your ECU uses the engine sensors and electronics to dictate engine speed. When the idle goes above what your ECU is expecting, the OBDII trouble code of P0507 will trigger, lighting your Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). This is when it can be really handy to know How To Test Idle Air Control in your VQ35, and save yourself some serious money.

Possible Causes of P0507


 

  • Torn or ripped intake snorkel
  • Loose clamp or leaking intake pipe
  • Blocked or failed PCV valve
  • Damaged throttle body
how-to-install-vq35-spacer5
How To Install a VQ35 Intake Plenum

 

Today we’ll be showing you how to resolve the DTC code of P0507 in a 2006 Infiniti G35 with a 3.5liter VQ35 engine in it. Because this vehicle is a Drive By Wire throttle body, you may have to service or replace your throttle body all together. This can can done in two of our How To’s on our DIY website, check the links below.

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How To Test a VQ35 Accelerator Pedal

If you have a scan tool that is capable of reading the Nissan SDS or Service Data and Specifications values or you have a CONSULT II capable scanner, then you can read what your ECU is seeing from your engine. If you are using a CONSULT type scanner, connect it to your vehicle now to obtain the trouble code of P0507 and the real time values your engine is seeing.

Begin our How To Test Idle Air Control DIY article by opening the engine hood and starting the engine. When your vehicle is warmed up or switched off the cold operation map, you can begin testing.

  1. Once your engine has warmed up properly, turn off engine for 10 seconds
  2. Connect CONSULT II scanner and go to DATA MONITOR
  3. Start engine again and check ENGINE SPEED and COOLANT TEMP values.
  4. Inspect PCV Valve and replace if needed.
  5. Inspect Throttle body and replace if needed.
  6. Check ECM and replace

That does it for our How To Test Idle Air Control DIY guide, if you have any questions, please leave them for us below!

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