P0987 code meaning
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch E Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0987 means
General circuit fault of transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch E. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. The only public user of switch E found, GM's 6T70/6T75 family (Saab 9-4X: switch 5 on the low/reverse and 4-5-6 clutch regulator valve), reports only P0989 and P0990 for it, both as plausibility counts. P0987 is the slot for a module that sees a generic circuit fault on a fifth pressure sensor or switch, for example an open or out-of-range signal, without separating low from high. CARB requires circuit checks on transmission inputs. Range/performance is P0988, low and high are P0989/P0990; switches A to D use P0840 to P0878. Typical effects are frozen shift adaptations and harsher shifts.
P0987 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0987
- Warning light depending on manufacturer
- Harsher or less consistent shifts
- Possible limp mode
Common causes of P0987
- Most likelyFailed pressure sensor or switch E
- PossibleOpen or shorted signal wire or poor connector contact
- Less likelyFaulty input stage in the transmission control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Tfp sensor eWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0987 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 9 | Area: transmission. |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0987 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 P0987
What does P0987 mean?
P0987 means "Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch E Circuit". General circuit fault of transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch E. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0987?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0987 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0987 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0987 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 P0987 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0987 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.