The P0087 code is an OBD-II trouble code that stands for “Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low” and is triggered when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the pressure inside the fuel rail or the fuel system is below the minimum thresholds.
In this article, I will be talking about the P0087 trouble code, its symptoms, causes, and how to fix it.
- What Does The P0087 Code Mean?
- Which Models Are Affected By The P0087 Code
- What Are The Possible Causes of the P0087 Code?
- What Are The Common Symptoms of The P0087 Code?
- Is It Safe To Drive With a P0087 Code?
- How To Diagnose The P0087 Code
- Most Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0087 Code
- How Much Does It Cost To Repair P0087 Code?
- What Repairs Can Fix The P0087 Code?
- How To Fix The P0087 Code
- In Conclusion
What Does The P0087 Code Mean?
The P0087 trouble code indicates a problem with the fuel delivery system. Typically, cars are equipped with a returnless fuel delivery system, which allows the fuel pump to distribute fuel at a variable pace.
The Powertrain Control Module or Engine Control Module (PCM/ECM) is a sensor that monitors the fuel pressure and alerts the driver if the pressure falls below the appropriate threshold.
When more power is required for acceleration, driving uphill, or towing, the PCM boosts the fuel pressure and provides more fuel to the engine. Also, PCM decreases the pressure to preserve fuel as soon as the engine is no longer required to support the heavy load.
A sensor on the fuel rail detects fuel pressure; if the pressure goes below the predicted threshold, the PCM will activate the check light and activate a failsafe mode to avoid harm until the problem is resolved.
P0087 OBD-II Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Trouble Code
Which Models Are Affected By The P0087 Code
| Make | Affected By P0087 Code |
|---|---|
| Toyota | Yes |
| Nissan | Yes |
| Chevrolet | Yes |
| BMW | Yes |
| Audi | Yes |
| Buick | Yes |
| Mercedes | Yes |
| GMC | Yes |
| Suzuki | Yes |
| Tata | Yes |
| Lexus | Yes |
| Mazda | Yes |
| Mitsubishi | Yes |
| Kia | Yes |
| Jeep | Yes |
| Fiat | Yes |
| Honda | Yes |
| Hyundai | Yes |
| Opel | Yes |
| Ford | Yes |
| Fiat | Yes |
| Peugeot | Yes |
What Are The Possible Causes of the P0087 Code?
The P0087 trouble code can be caused by a variety of factors that can potentially impact fuel flow to the engine. Many of these are detailed below:
- The fuel filter or fuel screens are clogged.
- A failing or bad fuel pump.
- A defective fuel pressure regulator sensor.
- A malfunctioning or worn high-pressure pump.
- Restricted fuel lines or fuel hoses, or improper fuel rail pressure.
- Electrical issues with the low-pressure fuel pump, fuel rail pressure sensor, or high-pressure fuel pump solenoid.
- Defective fuel rail pressure sensor reading erroneous fuel pressure measurements.
P0087 OBD-II Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Trouble Code
What Are The Common Symptoms of The P0087 Code?
The P0087 trouble code can show up in a few different ways, such as the check engine light being on or the engine stopping.
Let’s look at some of these in more depth:
- The check engine light: As code P0087 indicates a problem with the fuel system pressure, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) illuminates the check engine light to inform the driver.
- Vehicle may run poorly: Reduced engine performance, such as frequent stalling, rough running, running lean, high RPMs (revolutions per minute), or the car stopping entirely, is another indicator of low fuel rail pressure.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: Insufficient fuel pressure frequently results in inadequate fuel reaching the engine. As result, the engine may consume more fuel than necessary, affecting the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
- The engine misfire: When the engine obtains insufficient fuel for combustion, an improper air-fuel combination will ensue, which can lead to lean misfires.
Is It Safe To Drive With a P0087 Code?
No, it is not safe to drive with the P0087 trouble code because this code can lead to serious drivability issues.
If the car begins to perform poorly and misfires, it must be diagnosed immediately to ensure safe driving. If the fuel pump fails or if the fuel filter becomes clogged, the engine may die while driving, causing the driver considerable problems.
Contacting a qualified mechanic and completing the necessary repairs to return the car to the road in a safe condition are required.
P0087 OBD-II Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Trouble Code
How To Diagnose The P0087 Code
Here is how to diagnose the P0087 trouble code:
- Use an OBD-II scan tool to check if there are any other codes presented.
- Clear the codes, and perform a road test to see if the codes will return again.
- If the check engine light illuminates again, visually inspect the fuel tank, fuel line, and fuel filter for any damage or issues restricting flow.
- Using a manual fuel pressure tester, manually measure the fuel rail’s fuel pressure and compare the results to the requirements. Then, scan the vehicle to compare the manual data to the engine control module ECM’s results.
- Inspect the fuel pump for any damage or fuel leaks as a last step. Damage to the exterior of the fuel tank could harm the propeller inside the tank, resulting in inadequate fuel intake by the low-pressure fuel pump.
Most Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0087 Code
The most common mistakes when diagnosing the P0087 code are:
- Skipping the steps and not appropriately finishing them.
- Although a blocked fuel filter is the most prevalent reason, this will not always automatically repair the problem for different cars.
- It is essential to follow the instructions so that time and money are not wasted on unneeded repairs.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair P0087 Code?
A mechanic may charge between $100 and $150 to diagnose a check engine light. They can then provide a quote based on the necessary repairs for your vehicle.
On average, fixing a P0087 fuel rail system pressure code can be extremely expensive. It can be as low as $50 and as much as $2,000 in rare circumstances.
Thus, you can typically anticipate the following repair costs (including labor and components) with a DTC P0087:
- Replacement of the fuel filter: $50-$175
- Replacement of the fuel pressure sensor: $100-$300
- Replacement of the fuel line or fuel hose: $120-$500
- The fuel tank replacement: $900-$2100
| Make | P0087 Code | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Nissan | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Chevrolet | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| BMW | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Audi | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Buick | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Mercedes | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| GMC | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Suzuki | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Tata | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Lexus | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Mazda | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Mitsubishi | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Kia | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Jeep | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Fiat | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Honda | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Hyundai | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Opel | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Ford | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Fiat | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
| Peugeot | Yes | $50 – $2100 |
P0087 OBD-II Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Trouble Code
What Repairs Can Fix The P0087 Code?
Repairs that can fix the P0087 trouble code are:
- Replace the clogged fuel filter or fuel screens.
- Change the bad fuel pump.
- Replace the damaged or kinked fuel lines.
- Replace the defective fuel pressure sensor.
- Repair or replace the fuel tank ( this is very rare).
How To Fix The P0087 Code
It is recommended to test drive the vehicle after each examination or repair to determine if the error code has been cleared. If the diagnostic code reappears, go to the following repair. The most typical repairs to clear a P0087 fault code are:
- Verify the code using an OBD-II scanner, then clear the diagnostic code. Follow this with a test drive to determine if the fault code has been cleared. Depending on the cause, try the following treatments if it reappears:
- Replace the fuel filter or filter screen- this is the most common repair.
- Change the fuel pump.
- Replace defective fuel pressure sensor.
- Replace if the fuel lines are damaged or kinked.
In Conclusion
The OBD-II scanner trouble code P0087 is a severe issue that can result in a range of drivability issues.
If the engine is misfiring or running poorly, it must be diagnosed immediately to ensure safe driving and prevent the danger of more damage.