P2A87 code meaning
Alternative Fuel Pump C Compression Stroke Valve Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P2Axx codes Check engine light
What P2A87 means
P2A87 covers the control circuit of the compression stroke valve on alternative fuel pump C, reporting an open or otherwise unusable circuit. A third pump valve only exists on systems with at least three separately switched pumping units. Caterpillar's patent US10060421B2 is such a case: it describes six elements arranged around one pump body, allows an odd number as well, and fires each through its own solenoid in a timed sequence. If valve C drops out, the sequence has a gap, delivery becomes uneven and the controller has to fire the others more often to hold gas pressure. No manufacturer publishes P2A87 or assigns the letter C. Check coil resistance and terminals, and whether codes for valves A or B are present as well.
P2A87 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2A87
- Warning lamp on
- Uneven gas pressure, slight power loss at high load
Common causes of P2A87
- Most likelyOpen wire or loose connector at valve C
- PossibleSolenoid coil of valve C open
- Less likelyOutput stage for valve C faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Alt fuel pump c compression stroke valveWiring harnessAfcm
What each part of P2A87 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| A | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2A87 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 P2A87
What does P2A87 mean?
P2A87 means "Alternative Fuel Pump C Compression Stroke Valve Control Circuit/Open". P2A87 covers the control circuit of the compression stroke valve on alternative fuel pump C, reporting an open or otherwise unusable circuit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2A87?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2A87 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2A87 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2A87 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 P2A87 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2A87 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.