P2087 code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2087 means
P2087 is reserved for a bank 2 sensor 2 exhaust temperature signal that is erratic or drops out. No manufacturer publishes it; we checked GM, Ford, VW, Deutz and the NHTSA bulletin index without a hit, and Ford's 2014 gasoline list leaves it out. For a monitor in this style, GM's bank 1 counterpart P2085 is the reference: in table 18OBDG04 it counts resistance steps above 10 ohms between samples taken every 100 ms and sets a Type B code at 20 out of 40. CARB requires that intermittent faults of emission-relevant inputs be detected. If the code ever appears, the sensor connector and the lead along the second exhaust pipe are the first things to inspect. P2086 covers a steady but implausible value from the same sensor, P2034–P2036 its hard electrical faults.
P2087 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2087
- Engine warning lamp on
- Unstable exhaust temperature value for bank 2 sensor 2
Common causes of P2087
- Most likelyIntermittent contact in the bank 2 sensor 2 connector
- PossibleLead chafing on the second exhaust pipe
- Less likelySensor element with unstable resistance
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Exhaust gas temperature sensorEgt harness
What each part of P2087 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2087 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 P2087
What does P2087 mean?
P2087 means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 2)". P2087 is reserved for a bank 2 sensor 2 exhaust temperature signal that is erratic or drops out. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2087?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P2087 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2087 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 P2087 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2087 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.