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P2587 code meaning

Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance

Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light

What P2587 means

P2587 is a plausibility fault: position sensor B gives an electrically valid reading, but the reported position of the second boost actuator does not follow the command, or the value lies outside what the mechanism can physically reach. No manufacturer documents P2587 publicly, so the logic is known only from sensor A. GM's 2009 Duramax table sets P2563 when vane position misses the target by 15 % or more for 5 s once the engine has run 30 s, and VW bulletin 21-15-06 traces P2563 on 2.0 L TDI engines to kinked vacuum hoses, a leaking diaphragm or a broken adjusting stud. Sticking vanes or wastegate linkage are therefore as likely as the sensor. Circuit faults of sensor B are P2586 and P2588-P2590.

P2587 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testCan fail
  • Limp modePossible
  • Repair difficultyHard
  • Typical labor0.5 to 6 hours
  • Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle

Symptoms of P2587

  • Noticeable loss of power or overboost cut
  • Malfunction indicator lamp on
  • Commanded and actual position of actuator B diverge in live data

Common causes of P2587

  • Most likelySticking variable vanes or wastegate linkage on turbo B
  • PossibleKinked or leaking vacuum line or diaphragm on pneumatic actuators
  • PossibleActuator rod or adjusting stud out of adjustment or broken
  • Less likelyDrifting position sensor B

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Turbo actuator position sensor bTurbocharger

What each part of P2587 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
2Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make.
5Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs.
87The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P2587 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 P2587

What does P2587 mean?

P2587 means "Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance". P2587 is a plausibility fault: position sensor B gives an electrically valid reading, but the reported position of the second boost actuator does not follow the command, or the value lies outside what the mechanism can physically reach. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P2587?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2587 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will P2587 fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P2587 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 P2587 to fix?

Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P2587 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.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 4 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P2587