P087A code meaning
Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P087A means
Clutch position sensor B reports the position of the second clutch or its actuator, the counterpart of sensor A (P0805 ff). The only documented user is Ford's dry DPS6 dual clutch in Fiesta and Focus: clutch B, for reverse and the even gears, is moved by a three-phase motor whose Hall sensors give its position, and the gearbox module drives it through an internal motor driver. Ford sets P087A for a fault in that internal driver; wiring faults of the motor have their own codes (P090A, P090C, P090D). Ford's warranty extension 19N07 covers replacing the gearbox module when it is the cause, which is common here. Clutch B can then no longer be controlled safely.
P087A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P087A
- MIL or transmission warning on
- Jerky take-off or shifts
- Reverse or even gears missing, limp mode
Common causes of P087A
- Most likelyGearbox module faulty internally (motor driver)
- PossibleWater or corrosion at the gearbox module connector
- PossibleClutch B motor or its wiring faulty
- Less likelyWeak supply to the gearbox module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Clutch position sensorClutch actuator motorSensor wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P087A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 8 | Area: transmission. |
| 7A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P087A 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 P087A
What does P087A mean?
P087A means "Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit". Clutch position sensor B reports the position of the second clutch or its actuator, the counterpart of sensor A (P0805 ff). It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P087A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P087A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P087A fail an emissions test?
P087A 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 P087A to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P087A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.