P0087 – Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low – Opel 1.3 / 1.7 / 2.0 CDTI (Opel / Vauxhall 1.3 CDTI (Z13DTH, A13DTE, A13DTR) – Corsa D/E, Astra H/J, Meriva A/B, Combo)
Fault code P0087 means "Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low – Opel 1.3 / 1.7 / 2.0 CDTI". It is common on 1.3 CDTI (Z13DTH, A13DTE, A13DTR) – Corsa D/E, Astra H/J, Meriva A/B, Combo, 1.7 CDTI (A17DTR, A17DTS) – Astra J, Meriva B, Corsa D, 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH, A20DTJ) – Insignia A, Astra J, Zafira C engines. Below are the real-world causes, step-by-step tests and OEM part numbers.
Last updated
P0087 quick summary
| Fault code | P0087 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low – Opel 1.3 / 1.7 / 2.0 CDTI |
| System | Powertrain (Engine & Transmission) |
| Vehicles | Opel / Vauxhall |
| Common on | 1.3 CDTI (Z13DTH, A13DTE, A13DTR) – Corsa D/E, Astra H/J, Meriva A/B, Combo, 1.7 CDTI (A17DTR, A17DTS) – Astra J, Meriva B, Corsa D, 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH, A20DTJ) – Insignia A, Astra J, Zafira C |
| Severity | High |
| Can I drive? | Not recommended. Low rail pressure can make the engine stall in traffic or not restart. If the code appears with poor starting or cutting out, have the car checked before longer trips. |
| Repair cost | €30 – €2,000 |
Symptoms of P0087
- Long cranking or no start, especially when warm
- Engine cuts out or loses power under load
- Limp mode
- Check Engine light
- Diesel smell or leak (leaking lines)
Most common causes of P0087 (most likely first)
Mechanic's Pro Tip
Start with the cheap low-pressure side: an old or wrong fuel filter and air getting into the system at the filter housing cause most P0087 codes on CDTI engines. Fit a transparent hose before the high-pressure pump and look for bubbles. Then check the injector leak-off – one injector returning too much fuel pulls the rail pressure down. Only then suspect the pump or its pressure control valve.
1.Clogged or wrong fuel filter, or a filter housing letting air in
Most likely2.Air leak or blocked line on the low-pressure side
3.Faulty fuel metering / pressure control valve on the pump
4.Injector(s) with excessive leak-off
5.Worn high-pressure pump or faulty rail pressure sensor
Step-by-step diagnostic guide
- 1
Read all codes and compare specified and actual rail pressure in live data at cranking, idle and full load.
- 2
Replace the fuel filter with the correct part and check the filter housing seals for air ingress.
- 3
Check the low-pressure supply (transparent hose, vacuum gauge) for bubbles or restriction.
- 4
Do an injector leak-off test with the engine idling.
- 5
Test the metering/pressure control valve and the rail pressure sensor; replace the pump only after the rest has been ruled out, and inspect the old filter for metal particles.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fuel filter really cause P0087?
Yes. On CDTI engines a blocked, wrong or incorrectly fitted fuel filter is one of the most common causes, especially in cold weather when diesel thickens.
How much does it cost to fix P0087 on an Opel CDTI?
A fuel filter costs about 20–50 €. A pressure control valve costs about 60–200 €. Reconditioned injectors cost about 150–300 € each; a high-pressure pump about 500–1,500 € plus labour.
Related fault codes
This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.