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P0987 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch E Circuit (OBD2)

P0987 means "Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch E Circuit". The control unit has detected a fault in the electrical circuit of the transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch: the signal or control current is missing or outside the expected window. The code does not say whether the value is too high or too low, so the wiring and the component itself both have to be checked.

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P0987 quick summary

Fault codeP0987
MeaningTransmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch E Circuit
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityHigh
Can I drive?Carefully and only to a workshop. Low hydraulic pressure can cause slipping and damage.
Repair cost€50 – €2,500

How gearbox pressure sensors and switches work

Transmission pressure sensors and switches confirm that hydraulic pressure is present in each circuit; these codes cover their signals, low or high fluid pressure and deteriorated fluid.

Many automatic and dual-clutch gearboxes have pressure switches or sensors (A–F) that report whether pressure has reached a clutch circuit. The control unit uses them to confirm shifts and to detect slipping or hydraulic faults.

Codes P0840–P0849, P0870–P0879 and P0987–P0996 report circuit, range, low, high and intermittent faults; P0867–P0869 report fluid pressure that is too low or too high; P0897 means the control unit has calculated that the fluid has deteriorated.

Low pressure can be caused by low fluid level, a clogged filter, a weak pump or internal leaks; sensor faults by internal harness problems.

On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 17371 (P0987). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0987

  • Harsh, slipping or delayed shifts
  • Limp mode
  • Gearbox warning light
  • No drive or delayed engagement
  • Fluid service reminder (deteriorated fluid)

Most common causes of P0987 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

For P0897 (fluid deteriorated), a fluid change alone is not enough on many cars – the fluid ageing counter must also be reset with a scan tool, or the code will return.

  1. 1.Damaged wire or loose, corroded connector at the transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch

    Most likely

    Green or white corrosion, pushed-back pins and chafed insulation near hot or moving parts are the most common findings.

  2. 2.Faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch

    An internal break or short in the component itself.

  3. 3.Blown fuse or missing supply voltage

    If several codes appeared at the same time, check the shared fuse, relay or ground point first.

  4. 4.Low fluid level or clogged filter

  5. 5.Weak oil pump or internal leak

  6. 6.Old, degraded fluid

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and pressure values

    Read the transmission codes and pressure values in live data.

  2. 2

    Check the circuit with a multimeter

    With the ignition off, unplug the transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch and the control unit connector (or back-probe), then check each wire between them for continuity and for shorts to ground and to battery voltage. Compare the component's resistance or supply voltage with the value in the repair manual.

    Multimeter: Wire continuity: below about 1 Ω. Wire to ground with both connectors unplugged: no continuity. Supply/reference with ignition on: usually 5 V for sensors, battery voltage for actuators.

  3. 3

    Check fluid level and condition

    Check fluid using the manufacturer's procedure and temperature.

  4. 4

    Check the sensor circuit

    Measure the sensor supply, ground and signal or switch state.

  5. 5

    Measure line pressure

    Measure real pressure with a gauge where possible.

    Multimeter: Compare with the specification for the gear and engine speed.

  6. 6

    Repair and adapt

    Replace the sensor, filter or fluid, or repair the hydraulic fault, then run adaptations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0987?

Carefully and only to a workshop. Low hydraulic pressure can cause slipping and damage.

How much does it cost to fix P0987?

Typical repair costs are 50 € – 2500 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: damaged wire or loose, corroded connector at the transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch; faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch; blown fuse or missing supply voltage. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

What does 'transmission fluid deteriorated' mean?

The control unit has calculated, from temperature and time, that the fluid is worn out and should be changed.

Can a pressure sensor cause limp mode?

Yes. Without a reliable pressure signal, the gearbox may switch to a safe mode.

What is the difference between P0987 and similar codes?

P0987 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0878 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch D Circuit High; P0879 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch D Circuit Intermittent; P0897 – Transmission Fluid Deteriorated; P0988 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch E Circuit Range/Performance; P0989 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch E Circuit Low; P0990 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch E Circuit High. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

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.