P0E87 code meaning
Battery Charger B Input Voltage Too High
What P0E87 means
P0E87 flags an input voltage for charger B above what the charger accepts. Ford uses the code in its plug-in hybrid OBD summary (OBDSM1901) in an unusual way: it is part of a plausibility test run on the battery controller (BECM) and judges the charging voltage request that reaches the charger. Once the charger is in its ready state, a requested value above 450 V counts as a fault, and the check needs less than one second. In that reading the code points to a wrong command over the network rather than to the grid, so module software and data on the bus deserve attention first. On other designs a measured overvoltage at the input would set it. Ford lets charger faults request the amber wrench lamp instead of a specific charging message. The low case is P0E86.
P0E87 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0E87
- Charging is refused or ends early
- Amber wrench lamp in the instrument cluster (Ford)
Common causes of P0E87
- Most likelyImplausible charging voltage request from the battery control module (Ford logic)
- PossibleSoftware fault in the charger or battery control module
- Less likelyReal overvoltage from the supply or charging station
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger bAc input circuitOn board chargerBattery energy control module
What each part of P0E87 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0E87 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 P0E87
What does P0E87 mean?
P0E87 means "Battery Charger B Input Voltage Too High". P0E87 flags an input voltage for charger B above what the charger accepts. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0E87?
P0E87 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0E87 fail an emissions test?
P0E87 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 P0E87 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0E87 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.