Idle speed above expected range on VW — vacuum leak (PCV, intake manifold gasket) is the headline cause.
Volkswagen P0507 — Idle speed above expected range on VW — vacuum leak (PCV, intake manifold gasket) is the headline cause. Typical UK independent garage cost: £80–£480.
What actually causes P0507 on a Volkswagen
VW P0507 means the ECU has had to throttle down further than expected to control idle — usually because a vacuum leak is letting extra air past the throttle body. PCV diaphragm failures and intake manifold gasket leaks are the two most common causes on TSI. Throttle body coking is a distant third.
Volkswagen engines that log P0507
- 1.4/1.8/2.0 TSI EA888
- 1.2/1.4 TSI EA111
- 1.6 FSI / MPI
How we diagnose P0507 on a Volkswagen
- Smoke-test the intake from PCV to inlet manifold
- On EA888, inspect PCV diaphragm (top of cam cover)
- Check intake manifold gasket for vacuum weep
- Inspect brake servo hose and check valve
- Clean throttle body and reset adaptations via VCDS if other causes excluded
The common misdiagnosis to avoid
Don't replace a throttle body for P0507 before smoke-testing the intake — VAG PCV failures throw the same symptoms and are the actual fault 80% of the time.
Volkswagen P0507 repair cost in the UK
Expect £80–£480 including parts and labour at an independent garage. Main-dealer quotes on Volkswagen are usually higher for the same job, and the spread exists because the cheap cause and the expensive cause throw the same code — pay for the diagnosis before you pay for parts.
Bob's workshop tip
VAG PCV failures are so common that any P0507 + lean code combo on EA888 is PCV until proven otherwise — £180 cam cover assembly fixes the lot.
Codes usually seen alongside P0507 on Volkswagen
- P0171
- P0174
- P052E
Symptoms drivers report with P0507
- The car feels like it's 'creeping' forward too fast at traffic lights without touching the gas.
- Engine revs stay hung up at 1200rpm when you dip the clutch approaching an intersection.
- A noticeable 'hissing' or whistling noise from the engine bay when idling on the driveway.
- The stop-start system has stopped working because the idle isn't stable enough for the ECU.
- Surging or 'hunting' revs when you first start it from cold in the morning.
Repairs that clear P0507
- Smoke-test intake
- Clean throttle body
- Replace PCV valve / rocker cover
- Inspect all vacuum hoses
For the generic, all-makes explanation of this code — meaning, every known cause and UK cost bands — see our P0507 guide.