P0087 to P0092: fuel rail pressure and regulator
The fuel pressure in the rail is lower (P0087) or higher (P0088) than commanded, or the pressure regulator and its circuit are not working as they should.
SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.
Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshopWhat does P0087 mean?
Direct injection petrol engines and common rail diesels run the fuel at very high pressure, set by a high pressure pump and a regulator, with a sensor reporting the result. The computer compares the pressure it asks for with the pressure it gets. Too low starves the engine and costs power; too high strains the system. Most engines limit power when they see either.
What causes P0087?
- A clogged fuel filter, the commonest cause of low pressure
- A weak low pressure lift pump in the tank
- A worn high pressure pump or a faulty pressure regulator
- A faulty rail pressure sensor giving a false reading
- Running out of fuel, or air in the system on a diesel
What to check first for P0087
- Make sure there is enough fuel in the tank, then think back to when the filter was last changed
- Compare commanded and actual rail pressure on a scan tool at idle and under load
- Have the low pressure supply measured before condemning the high pressure pump
- Look for fuel leaks along the lines; if you smell fuel strongly, do not run the engine
Can you drive with P0087?
Drive only to a workshop and expect reduced power. The engine can stall without warning, which is dangerous in traffic, so keep to slow roads. If you smell fuel or see a leak, stop, switch off and do not restart.
Clear a code only after the fault is fixed. A code that comes back means the cause is still there, and a warning light left on can hide a second fault behind the first.
Codes on this page
- P0087Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
- P0088Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too High
- P0089Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Performance
- P0090Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit
- P0091Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low
- P0092Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit High
Related codes
Checked on · Rafael Soares
These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.
