P0587 code meaning
Cruise Control Vent Control Circuit Low
What P0587 means
Older engines without electronic throttle use a vacuum cruise servo on the throttle cable: a vacuum valve (closed when unpowered) opens the throttle with intake vacuum, a vent valve (open when unpowered) holds or releases it, and a dump valve fed through the brake switch vents it when braking. Where the engine module drives these valves, it checks each circuit and switches cruise off; CARB treats this as emission-neutral, usually without warning lamp. P0587 means the voltage at the vent valve driver is too low – the control line is shorted to ground, so the vent valve stays closed and the servo could hold vacuum; cruise control is therefore switched off, with braking safety from the dump valve. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code.
P0587 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0587
- Cruise control cannot be engaged or switches off
- Cruise indicator goes out or flashes (depending on vehicle)
- Usually no check engine light, code stored only
Common causes of P0587
- Most likelyVent control line shorted to ground
- PossibleValve coil shorted
- PossibleServo supply missing (P0595)
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cruise control servoServo solenoid valvesServo wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0587 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 5 | Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs. |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0587 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 P0587
What does P0587 mean?
P0587 means "Cruise Control Vent Control Circuit Low". Older engines without electronic throttle use a vacuum cruise servo on the throttle cable: a vacuum valve (closed when unpowered) opens the throttle with intake vacuum, a vent valve (open when unpowered) holds or releases it, and a dump valve fed through the brake switch vents it when braking. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0587?
P0587 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0587 fail an emissions test?
P0587 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0587 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0587 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.