P0087 code meaning
Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0087 means
On common-rail diesel and gasoline direct-injection engines, a high-pressure pump feeds the fuel rail, a sensor measures rail pressure, and the engine control module regulates it towards a target from its maps. P0087 is set when the actual pressure stays below the target by more than a threshold for some time. It is a system code: it does not say which component is at fault. Typical causes are a weak low-pressure supply, a worn high-pressure pump, a sticking control valve, a leak or a drifting pressure sensor; the engine usually goes into reduced power.
P0087 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0087
- Check engine light on
- Loss of power or reduced power mode
- Hard starting or stalling
- Jerking under load
Common causes of P0087
- Most likelyLow-pressure supply too weak: lift pump, clogged filter, low tank level or waxing
- Most likelyHigh-pressure pump worn
- PossiblePressure control or metering valve sticking
- PossibleHigh-pressure leak or excessive injector return flow
- PossibleRail pressure sensor drifting
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
High pressure fuel pumpFuel pressure regulatorRail pressure sensorLow pressure fuel pumpFuel filter
What each part of P0087 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0087 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0087
What does P0087 mean?
P0087 means "Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low". On common-rail diesel and gasoline direct-injection engines, a high-pressure pump feeds the fuel rail, a sensor measures rail pressure, and the engine control module regulates it towards a target from its maps. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0087?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0087 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0087 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0087 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0087 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0087 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.