P1507 and Neutral Switch info thread....

[Swine]

I was throwing a P1507 code on my 2002 wrx and was searching for a solution on how to fix it. I got alot of non concrete info in a bunch of threads, especially on the neutral switch, where it is, and how to fix it.

First the P1507, Idle control system malfunction. If you are throwing this code you have exactly two places to look at, the IACV(idle air control valve) located on top of the throttle body mounted with two phillips head screws, or you have a faulty neutral switch(apparently pretty common, especially pre-wrx era cars). So, lets pretend your IACV is gummed and gunked up. Remember this is your idle air control valve which means there is a moving piece in there. So you most likely wont be able to just spray it with carb cleaner or soak it in rubbing alcohol to fix it(this is what i tried first). Its hard to describe what the actual moving valve piece looks like, just know there is a moving object in there that is spring loaded...if you push it in it should spring back quickly once released(you can push on it with a flat head screw driver, or anything thin). Mine was returning slowly, on top of that it wasnt returning all the way to its out position. So i filled my IACV up with rubbing alcohol and just kept actuating the valve with my flat head...it finally started to free up and spring quickly and easily back to its fully extended position. This took me 4-5 attempts of putting the IACV on and off the car and testing, and then cleaning some more. Luckily it takes roughly 15-20 secs to install and remove the IACV. *NOTE*-you will have to replace the IACV gasket, the rubber gasket expands after new and doesnt fit again once removing the IACV. I ordered mine from subarugenuieparts, just email them telling them you are looking for an IACV gasket and what model year your car is, they will get you what you need. I think it was like $7.

Next, if you have a faulty neutral switch. First, it is located on the driver side of the transmission towards the rear of the transmission. I found this link that shows it. http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/...location07.jpg
You need nothing more then a 3/4 or 19mm, i think, open ended wrench. Jack the car up, unscrew the switch, remove it from the harness(kinda a bitch until you realize how it releases). Plug in the new switch, screw it back into the trans. Again, i ordered mine from subarugenuineparts, it cost $27. Email them, tell them what you need and what year
This should apply most if not all subaru 5spds(NOT auto's, they are different and switches are more expensive), including older legacies and impreza's.

If you are searching and this thread helped, post up. If you have anything to add, lets hear it.