The correct pressure and the amount of fuel delivered to the engine are essential for it to work properly. Whether the car has a returnless fuel supply system or the excess fuel returns to the tank, the problem with low fuel pressure can happen. When it does, it will put out the P0087 code when scanned with the OBDII scanner.
The exact name that goes with the P0087 error code is Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. The problem is that not enough fuel is reaching the engine. When there is insufficient fuel, the car won’t run as it should, and you will feel that. A common cause for this error is a worn fuel pump or clogged fuel lines. Sometimes, the electronics of the pump are the problem, like a faulty fuel pressure sensor or fuel pump driver module.
The P0087 code is not a problem to easily brush away. You need to properly diagnose it, and then resolve it. Avoid driving with this error because it can bring a lot of problems with it. In this article, we will go through the whole process of diagnostics and repair, so stay with us.
Demystifying the P0087 OBD2 Code
The main problem that can cause the P0087 code is low fuel pressure. This error code is similar to the P0088 when the problem is in a raised fuel pressure.
Introduction to the P0087 Code
The sensor on the fuel rail measures fuel pressure and how much fuel the pump needs to deliver. If the engine control module (ECM) or the powertrain control module (PCM) detects low fuel pressure, they will turn on the P0087 code. The check engine light follows the code. When the fuel pressure goes below 250 MPa, that is enough to cause this problem.
Understanding the Technicalities of P0087 Code
The combustion process is the reason the car moves. In this process, the air and fuel mix in the combustion chamber. The spark plug is making the combustion. The result of the combustion process is moving the car.
Check Out How Can A Car Move? Answer: Combustion:
The fuel pump and the fuel lines are responsible for delivering enough pressurized fuel to the engine. When the fuel delivery is low, that leads to the P0087 code.
Culprit Behind: Causes Leading to P0087 Code
The main reasons that can cause the P0087 code are different parts of the fuel system:
- Weak and faulty high-pressure fuel pump. An old pump will not be able to deliver the proper fuel flow to the fuel rail
- Clogged or blocked fuel filter. When the filter is not clean, it will block the free flow of fuel. This will end up as one of what causes low fuel rail pressure
- Defective fuel pressure sensor. When the sensor is broken, it will send wrong readouts. The fuel pump will receive the wrong information about the fuel pressure. When that happens, the fuel rail will not receive a proper amount of fuel
- Clogged fuel supply lines. If the fuel system is not maintained properly, it can be filled with all sorts of dirt and debris. That will cause fuel lines to restrict or completely block the flow of fuel
- Faulty pressure control valve in the fuel line. It is responsible for providing the correct fuel pressure
Vehicle Symptoms with P0087 Code
When the engine is not receiving enough fuel the driver will instantly feel it. The problems revolve around the overall loss of power, stalling, and engine misfiring. The P0087 code can also increase fuel consumption.
Power Loss: The First Telltale Sign
Without consistent fuel pressure, the combustion process becomes irregular. You will notice this when you press the acceleration pedal. This is even more visible when the engine is pushed to a higher RPM. It starts to struggle and cannot deliver the expected power during acceleration.
Unexpected Engine Behavior
Other symptoms include rough idling, stalling, and problems with starting the engine. If the problem has progressed, you won’t be able to start the car. These issues are common for all the problems in which the fuel flow and supply are not adequate.
Identifying P0087 Code Through Unusual Vehicle Noises
In some cases, you can diagnose the code P0087 by listening to the car and any unusual noises. If the problem is in the fuel pump, it will create a loud whining noise. The sound will come from the gas tank.
Some specific fuel lines problems will result in a strange buzzing noise. They are usually a result of the vibration of the blocked or kinked fuel lines.
Guide to Diagnosing P0087 Code
The best way to diagnose the P0087 is to take it to a qualified mechanic. When we go through the list of things that needs to be checked, you will understand why. But, if you have experience with car mechanics, you can try to go through some of these steps.
Tools Required for Effective Diagnosis
For starters, you will need the OBDII-compatible scanner and the multimeter. You will also need a mechanical pressure gauge if they can have a fuel pressure test port. With it, you can get manual fuel pressure readings.
Step-by-Step Process to Diagnose P0087 Code
- Start with connecting the scanner to the ECU
- Turn the scanner on and wait for it to list all the error codes
- Gather freeze frame information for every error code
- Clear all the error codes
- Do a road test in similar conditions to the ones from the freeze frame information
- If a check engine light comes back on, visually check the fuel tank, fuel lines, and the fuel filter
- If a vehicle has a fuel pressure test port, check the fuel pressure. For this, you will need a mechanical pressure gauge
- Use the scanner to identify the fuel pressure readings from the fuel rail. Compare the values with factory specifications
- In the end, check the fuel pump. For this, you will use the multimeter. Check the manual to see what connectors you need to inspect. When the engine is running the value on the multimeter should be between 12.5 and 13 volts.
Identifying Faulty Components Contributing to P0087 Code
If you want to find the culprit for the P0087 code, look at the fuel system. The issues can be one or more of these components:
- A fuel pump
- A fuel filter
- The fuel supply lines
- The fuel pump pressure regulator
- The fuel pump driver module
- The fuel pressure sensor.
Resolving A P0087 Code: Quick How To Fix
Depending on the complexity of the issue and your mechanical knowledge, you can try to fix a simpler issue. More complex problems should be left to the mechanic.
Easy Fixes You Can Do at Home
You can do a visual check of the fuel tank, the fuel filter, and the fuel lines. If there is a fuel system leak, you will easily spot it on the moist fuel lines or by the puddles under the car. If the fuel lines are in bad shape, you should replace them. Depending on the car, they can be hard to replace, so before you try it, see if you can do it.
If the fuel filter is clogged, you can replace it yourself. Check a YouTube instruction video, and also go through the instruction manual.
The fuel pressure sensor is located in the middle of the fuel supply rail and linked to the ECU. If it is damaged or worn, you can try to replace it if you can reach it. If not, leave it to the mechanic.
Check Out How To Fix P0087 Code – Replacing High-Pressure Fuel Pump Regulator (Ram 3500):
When to Seek Professional Help
More advanced issues like a faulty fuel pump demand professional assistance. The fuel pump assembly can be tricky and hard to manage. That is why you should avoid any DIY options.
Preventing P0087 Code: Maintenance and Best Practices
Like with most errors and problems, proper maintenance is the best way to prevent them. That includes regularly changing engine oil and the rest of the fluids, together with the filters. Clean filters will prevent any dirt, debris, or water from entering the fuel system.
Avoid using poor-quality fuel, and think about adding fuel additives. Some fuels already have additives in them. Those are great ways to improve the work of the whole fuel system. They will also increase fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
Real-world Cases of Overcoming P0087 Code
From Diagnosis to Solution: A Car Owner’s Journey
I had an issue with my 6.7 Cummins. The OBDII scanner showed the P0087 error. The performance issues continued to grow until the truck was not safe to drive.
What troubled me most was the rough, idling, and aggressive shaking of the engine. That lasted more than a year. Next came strange noises coming from the lift pump. I replaced the pump, but it didn’t resolve anything. The problems intensified and the car started to simply shut off when decelerating.
I checked most of the usual suspects, and all that was left was the fuel pump pressure regulator. The regulator is responsible for the amount of fuel being delivered to the fuel rail. By this time, I had a hard time even starting the engine.
After further diagnostics, I concluded that the problem was in the faulty fuel pressure regulator. It is held in place with three T25 torx screws and an electrical connector. Depending on the engine, you may need to take several parts away, to be able to access it. Usually, the air intake is in the way. I had to use a lot of extension torque wrenches to be able to reach everything.
After the installation of the new part, the P0087 didn’t appear anymore. Also, all problems with engine performance were resolved. The fuel pressure regulator was not even on my maybe list, but it proved me wrong.
Mechanics’ Chronicles: Solving Complex P0087 Code Issues
Our duo mechanic readers, Evan and Tom, work in their machine shop mostly on Duramax engines and have their share of P0087 code stories and tips:
Every time we get a diesel truck with the P0087 we start the diagnostics with the easy stuff. The first thing we do is to check does a truck has a lift pump. If it does, the first inspection is the pressure at idle. It should be between 9 and 10 PSI.
The low-pressure side of the fuel system should be checked first. That includes checking the fuel filter. We do this by putting the maximum pressure on the engine and checking how many inches of vacuum the fuel system pulls. A good result is between 5 and 8 inches of vacuum.
If there are more than 8 inches of vacuum, then the system has too much vacuum on the low side. That is usually caused by the blocked fuel filter. We always recommend changing the fuel filter and testing the system again.
If everything is okay on the low-pressure side, we will continue with the troubleshooting on the high-pressure side. That includes checking the pump injectors and the fuel pressure relief valve. The fuel pressure relief valve is a common issue. If it is faulty, it will drop the pressure of the fuel. From our share of cases, the best way is to replace it in either case.
The next step is to pull out the fuel injectors and test them. This may be a bit pricy, but it can resolve the issue. From our experience, it is better to first check the injectors than to replace the whole fuel pump. If the problem is in the fuel injectors, then you avoid an expensive replacement of the fuel pump.
If the fault code remains, the last thing to check is the fuel pump. It is an expensive and difficult part to replace. The fuel pump can be an issue in case you are towing heavy loads in hot weather. But a P0087 code fault is a sure sign that the CP3 or the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump is near the end of its work life.
It takes a lot of experience to know where to look and what to test first. That way, you can save a lot of money, time, and nerves. It took us years to master the fuel system of a Duramax. Now we can say that we can diagnose and resolve any issue that this engine has.
FAQs on P0087 OBD2 Code
Can I Drive My Car with a P0087 Code?
We don’t recommend driving with a P0087 code since it’s a moderately serious error. It will affect the performance and the drivability of the car. If the problems build up, the car may stop working in the middle of the road. That can create all sorts of hazards and a potential driving accident.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a P0087 Code?
The cost to fix a P0087 code depends on the issue:
- A new fuel pump costs between $400 and $500. The labor costs for this operation are high – they can rise to a figure of around $500.
- Fuel tank replacement is the most expensive issue connected with this error. A new fuel tank can cost anywhere between $900 and $2100. That includes both the parts and the price of labor.
- The fuel pressure sensor replacement costs between $200 and $350. The sensor itself should not cost more than $100 and the rest goes to the mechanic.
- The fuel pressure regulator costs between $150 and $200, and the labor raises the cost by around $120.
- Replacement of the fuel lines can vary between $120 and $500. The fuel hose and the fuel lines have different prices, and their installation price is also different.
How to Prevent the P0087 Code from Reoccurring?
You can only do two things to prevent the P0087 OBD2 code from reoccurring. Maintain the vehicle properly, and keep an eye on any engine problems. Do not wait for the engine to remind you to do a regular checkup. Visit a mechanic from time to time to check for any errors. This is especially important for those high-mileage vehicles.
Need More Help with a P0087 Code?
This article gives you a good picture of the P0087 error code and the problems around it. You can compare the symptoms and simply check some accessible components. If you are not into car mechanics, visit a local mechanic and discuss the issues. They know how to diagnose the problem and the easiest way to resolve it.
