P0C87 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor G/H Correlation
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C87 means
P0C87 checks that battery temperature sensors G and H tell a consistent story. The controller would set it when, after enough rest for the pack to equalise, the two values remain apart by more than a calibrated margin. No manufacturer documents this pair code publicly. In the Volt, GM numbers G and H as sensors 7 and 8 and, in its 2012 table 12OBDG01A, compares each one with the average of the others after more than 21,600 s off, failing it beyond 25.3 °C as P0C7D or P0C82, Type B. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander PHEV logs sensors [06] and [07] the same way against a 13 °C limit. A pair code cannot say which of the two is wrong, so live data after a cold soak decides. The neighbouring pair code is P0C86 (F/G).
P0C87 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0C87
- Hybrid or EV warning lamp
- Reduced charge and discharge power
Common causes of P0C87
- Most likelyThermistor G or H drifted while staying in range
- PossibleSensor G or H detached from its cell group
- PossibleReal temperature gap from a weak cell group or blocked cooling
- Less likelyBattery module software needing an update
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery temp sensor gHv battery temp sensor hBms
What each part of P0C87 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| C | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C87 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 P0C87
What does P0C87 mean?
P0C87 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor G/H Correlation". P0C87 checks that battery temperature sensors G and H tell a consistent story. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C87?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C87 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C87 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C87 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 P0C87 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C87 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.