P0087 - OBD Trouble Code

<<See All OBD Codes

If you experience exponential drop in the fuel economy, and your car engine is stalling with improper throttle response and Check Engine Light turned on. It might be an indicative to OBD Code P0087 error.

OBD-II Code P0087 is defined as a Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low.

Some vehicles are equipped with a return-less fuel supply, which means that the fuel pump is pulse width modulated and can vary in pump speed to deliver fuel to the rail at a variable rate instead of constantly running the fuel pump and regulating the pressure with a pressure regulator, returning fuel back to the tank.

When fuel pressure is not within a predetermined range (as determined by the vehicle manufacturer), a trouble code is stored in the PCM and a service engine soon lamp gets illuminated on the vehicle’s dashboard.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the actual fuel pressure and adjusts the Fuel Pump operation to meet the desired fuel pressure needed to keep the engine running. If the PCM sees that the fuel pressure is too low, code P0087 will set. Low Fuel Level may cause this code to set.

What causes problem of Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low?

• Fuel pump failure
• Restricted fuel line
• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Fuel pressure sensor faulty
• Fuel pump driver module faulty
• Weak fuel pump
• Fuel pump supply line restricted

1. Fuel Pump - Damaged fuel pump will affect the fuel delivery system and in turn the engine performance. Replace it now!
2. Fuel Pressure Sensor - If the sensor the faulty, it will not be able to assist in the right amount of air to fuel ratio entering the engine and hamper the combustion process. Thus, replace it immediately
3. Diagnostic Tools - Professional OBD scan tools are necessary to diagnose a problem. Buy quality diagnostic tools from us now!

Some of the most common symptoms that indicate towards OBD Code P0087 error are as follows:

Common Symptoms

• Check Engine Light On
• Vehicle running poorly
• Loss of engine power and throttle response
• Loss of acceleration
• Engine misfiring and stalling
• Vehicle not running

• Replacement of the fuel filter or screen
• Remove and replace the fuel filter
• Repair the fluid leaks
• Test drive vehicle to check for OBD code error
• Replacement of kinked fuel lines
• Fuel pump replacement
• Replacement of a faulty fuel pressure sensor

At Parts Avatar Canada, find quality replacement parts from the best brands in the market, at top prices for any vehicle make and model. Buy form us now!

• A qualified mechanic begins by using n OBD-II scan tool to read any codes present in the PCM.
• After the code is identified, the data has to be freeze framed and cleared so that the car can be taken for test drive.
• Perform a road test of the vehicle with the similar conditions as that under the freeze frame data to see if the code reappears.
• Check for any issues on open, short, corroded or damaged wirings and connections in association with the sensor and the circuit.
• If damage found, repair or replace the faulty wirings immediately.
• If the Check Engine Light comes on, visually inspect the fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel filter for any faults and damaged that can be repaired or replaced completely.
• Take the manual fuel pressure readings at the fuel rail and compare it to manufacturer’s specifications. Use a scan tool to compare manual readings to what the ECM sees.
• Lastly, the fuel pump will be tested and replaced if found faulty.
• If everything works out to be fine, then check for PCM (Powertrain Control Module) faults. Although rare in nature, these faults can cause wrong error being stored in the PCM and also hampers the vehicle’s performance by affecting the exhaust system, intake system, fuel delivery system, etc.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0087 Code

Always tale help of a qualified technician with experience to counter the OBD code errors. Use professional factory grade scanning and diagnostic tools to diagnose this problem.

• Missing the diagnosis steps leading to misdiagnosis and error to return.
• Though the most common cause is a clogged fuel filter, it will not be a necessary problem for all vehicles. Thus, proper inspection needs to be done.
• It is important to follow the steps so unnecessary repairs are not performed wasting time and money. Never forget to check for faulty or damaged wiring and connections as they can be the reason for the OBD error code and can be a cheap solution to the problem.