P2E87 code meaning
Proximity Detection Circuit B
What P2E87 means
P2E87 is the general fault of a second plug-detection circuit, B, whose job is to tell the vehicle that a connector is seated in an inlet. Under SAE J1772 this proximity pin is tied to earth through resistors and a switch in the latch button, so the car can lock out driving and wind down current before the plug comes out; CHAdeMO inlets have their own proximity contact for the same interlock. A second circuit is needed where a car carries two inlets, as the Outlander PHEV does with its normal and quick-charge sockets: Mitsubishi reports the normal one as proximity A (P0D58/P0D59) and reads a separate quick-charger connecting voltage, without publishing a B code. No manufacturer documents P2E87. Lear patented a circuit that also wakes the charger through this line. Expect no charging on that inlet.
P2E87 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2E87
- No charging through the affected inlet
- Plug not recognised or vehicle reports a cable while none is fitted
- Vehicle may refuse to enter drive readiness
Common causes of P2E87
- Most likelyDamaged or corroded proximity contact in inlet B
- PossibleOpen or poorly seated connector between inlet B and the controller
- PossibleFaulty charging cable or plug resistor
- Less likelyEvaluation circuit in the charger or control unit faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Proximity detection bCharge inlet bWiring harness
What each part of P2E87 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 87 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2E87 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 P2E87
What does P2E87 mean?
P2E87 means "Proximity Detection Circuit B". P2E87 is the general fault of a second plug-detection circuit, B, whose job is to tell the vehicle that a connector is seated in an inlet. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2E87?
P2E87 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P2E87 fail an emissions test?
P2E87 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 P2E87 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2E87 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.