P087C code meaning
Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P087C 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. For P087C no maker is documented; Ford folds Hall faults into P087B. The code means the sensor signal is below its limit: signal wire shorted to ground, supply missing or a sensor without output. As with sensor A (P0807), clutch B can then only run in limp mode.
P087C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P087C
- MIL or transmission warning on
- Jerky take-off or shifts
- Reverse or even gears missing, limp mode
Common causes of P087C
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground
- Possible5 V supply to the sensor open
- PossibleSensor faulty
- Less likelyModule reference disturbed
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 P087C 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. |
| 7C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P087C 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 P087C
What does P087C mean?
P087C means "Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit Low". 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 P087C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P087C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P087C fail an emissions test?
P087C 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 P087C to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P087C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.