P0087 code — how to fix error fast

If you received a problem code P0087 after using a diagnostic scanner tool in your vehicle, you are probably left with more questions than answers. Perhaps your car has shown some symptoms of improper fuel pressure like misfires and problems starting, but the P0087 code meaning goes way beyond that.

Since it’s one of the crucial powertrain-related codes that may appear after a scan, our team didn’t want to leave you wondering or leave anything up to chance. So, we’ve prepared a complete guide that will help you realize what the code means, how it came to be in your car, and the steps you can take to diagnose and fix it as soon as possible.

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What does code P0087 mean?

The P0087 code is a diagnostic trouble code that indicates an issue with the fuel rail pressure. Fuel rail pressure is the pressure of fuel that is supplied to the fuel injectors in your car. There’s a fuel rail pressure sensor that measures the pressure and sends a signal to the engine control unit (ECU).

If the sensor picks up a bad reading in terms of low fuel pressure in the rail system, it means that the fuel injection process won’t work properly either. So, you end up having trouble with the ignition and engine’s combustion and performance after getting this code, so the best way to tackle it is to get to the bottom of it.

What causes the P0087 code?

There are several causes that may be behind the code showing up in your car, and it’s worth noting all of these so you can take proper action to fix the code after it’s displayed in your vehicle:

Fuel pump failure

If the fuel pump is not delivering enough fuel to the fuel rail, the fuel pressure will be low, and the P0087 code will be triggered. Symptoms of a failing fuel pump include difficulty starting the engine, sputtering or stalling while driving, and reduced power.

Fuel filter clog

If the fuel filter is clogged, it can restrict the flow of fuel to the fuel rail, causing low fuel pressure, and triggering the P0087 code. Symptoms of a clogged fuel filter include difficulty starting the engine, reduced power, and sputtering or stalling while driving.

Fuel pressure regulator malfunction

The fuel pressure regulator controls the fuel pressure in the fuel rail. If it’s not working correctly or is stuck open, it can cause low fuel pressure, triggering the P0087 code. Symptoms of a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator include reduced power, sputtering or stalling while driving, and difficulty starting the engine.

There’s also the chance that the code is triggered by a malfunctioning sensor, in which case your mechanic will need to replace the sensor to restore the original set of metrics that show proper fuel pressure in the rail system and remove the code.

What car models does the P0087 code affect the most?

While any car can potentially experience this issue, certain models may be more prone to it than others. We’ve done some research and came up with a list of the cars that are most vulnerable to this code due to their known problems with the component failure that usually leads to the code P0087. So, here’s our list of the cars that are most likely to display the code:

• Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks with diesel engines: These trucks are known for having issues with their high-pressure fuel pumps, which can cause the P0087 code to appear.
• Chevrolet Cruze: The Cruze has been known to experience low fuel pressure issues, which can trigger the P0087 code.
• Audi A4 and A5: Some Audi A4 and A5 models have experienced fuel system issues that result in the P0087 code being triggered.
• BMW 335d: The BMW 335d has a diesel engine that can sometimes experience fuel system problems, leading to the appearance of the P0087 code.

How to diagnose the P0087 code?

There are several ways of diagnosing the code P0087 besides using a diagnostic scanner tool. It all depends on the underlying cause of the problem, so we recommend you make use of the following methods to diagnose the trouble behind the code:

Check the Fuel Pressure

You can check the fuel pressure using a fuel pressure gauge, and it’s best to leave this matter to an experienced mechanic if you aren’t familiar with how the gauge works. If the fuel pressure is below the manufacturer’s specifications, the fuel pump may be failing, therefore leading to poor pressure buildup within the system.

Check the Fuel Filter

Checking the fuel filter is yet another way of making sure that the fuel within your car’s fuel delivery system comes with proper pressure. It’s pretty common for the fuel filter to simply get dirty or clogged and for that to be the reason behind the lower pressure within the system that triggers the code P0087.

Inspect the Fuel Pressure Regulator

Inspecting the fuel pressure regulator for signs of damage or malfunction can also give you an idea of what causes the problem If the pressure regulator is failing, you can replace it and have the pressure restored to get rid of the code P0087.

How to fix the P0087 code?

Fixing the P0087 code depends on the underlying cause, and now that you’ve got an idea of what may have caused the issue, it’s time we get to the bottom of it by giving you a few fixing tips:

Replacing the malfunctioning fuel pump

Replacing the fuel pump with a new one can be the way to go when dealing with the code P0087 if the failed pump has accused the ruckus in the first place. Sometimes, the fuel pump can even be repaired, but it’s safer to replace it and the best way to know what to do is to rely on a trusted mechanic for a tip.

The cost of a fuel pump can range from $100 to $500, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Replacing the fuel filter

Replacing the fuel filter in your car should be a regular maintenance drill and you can use the manufacturer’s specifications to figure out when it’s time to do the replacement. The cost of a fuel filter can range from $10 to $50, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

So, it can be a pretty affordable solution for the code P0087 in case a clogged filter is what caused the issue.

Repairing the fuel pressure regulator

If nothing else seems to be the culprit other than the pressure regulator, you can replace the fuel pressure regulator with a new one. The cost of a fuel pressure regulator can range from $50 to $200, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

How to prevent the P0087 code?

To prevent the P0087 code from appearing, perform routine maintenance on your vehicle’s fuel system. If you don’t have any prior experience, it’s enough to take some simple steps like the following ones to make sure the code never appears again:

• Replace the fuel filter
• Use high-quality fuel
• Check for any signs of damage or tear within the car’s fuel system

Make sure to closely follow all the recommended repairs regarding the fuel delivery system as it can drastically increase your chance of never having to deal with the infamous code P0087.

Our take

All in all, you need the right set of tools to deal with the code P0087 including a diagnostic scanner and at least some knowledge of how the fuel delivery system works. Still, it’s best to leave all this to a mechanic and our guide can at least help you figure out the cause of the issue before you go visit the repair shop.

If everything goes well,l you may not have to pay the full price of replacing a fuel pump or dealing with other expensive repairs if you can properly diagnose and fix the issue.