Damaged, chafed or broken wiring to the clutch position sensor, especially where it flexes or is near heat; Corroded, loose or contaminated connector terminals at the sensor or control unit plug; Failing clutch position sensor with an internal intermittent fault; Transmission fluid or water ingress into the sensor or connector; Low or unstable supply voltage or poor earth to the sensor or control unit; Fault in the transmission control unit or actuator assembly; Mechanical wear in the clutch actuator or linkage giving an erratic position reading.

P087E

Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
8: AreaTransmission
7E: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P087E means the control unit has seen an intermittent fault in the circuit of clutch position sensor 'B'. The signal drops out, spikes or goes implausible, then returns to normal. It is usually logged on vehicles with an automated manual, dual-clutch or clutch-by-wire system, and which sensor is 'B' and where it sits depends on the model and transmission.

Symptoms

Gearbox or transmission warning light on, sometimes with the engine management light
Jerky, hesitant or delayed gear changes
Harsh or slipping clutch engagement when pulling away
Occasional failure to select gears or a no-start condition on some vehicles
Transmission going into a limited-function (limp) mode that comes and goes
Fault that appears and clears with no consistent pattern

Possible causes

Damaged, chafed or broken wiring to the clutch position sensor, especially where it flexes or is near heatlikely
Corroded, loose or contaminated connector terminals at the sensor or control unit pluglikely
Failing clutch position sensor with an internal intermittent faultlikely
Transmission fluid or water ingress into the sensor or connectorpossible
Low or unstable supply voltage or poor earth to the sensor or control unitpossible
Fault in the transmission control unit or actuator assemblyrare
Mechanical wear in the clutch actuator or linkage giving an erratic position readingrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note any related transmission, supply voltage or communication faults
Review freeze frame data to see speed, gear, temperature and voltage when the fault set
Check the manufacturer's information for which sensor is 'B' on this model and where it is fitted
Inspect the sensor wiring and connector for chafing, tension, corrosion, bent pins, moisture or fluid contamination
Wiggle-test the harness and connector with live clutch position data and watch for dropouts or spikes
Check battery condition, charging voltage and the relevant earth connections
Test the sensor supply, signal and earth circuits for continuity, short circuits and resistance against specification
Check the sensor and actuator for oil leaks, damage or excessive play, following model-specific procedures

How to fix

Repair or replace damaged wiring sections using proper soldered or sealed repairs
Clean, re-pin or replace faulty connectors and fit seals correctly
Replace the clutch position sensor if its signal is erratic, then carry out any required adaptation or calibration procedure
Rectify fluid leaks or water ingress and replace any contaminated components
Repair battery, charging or earth faults that cause unstable voltage
Replace or repair the actuator or control unit only after wiring and sensor faults have been ruled out, following manufacturer guidance

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car may be driveable, but the fault can cause sudden poor shifting or limp mode, so get it checked soon. Avoid driving in heavy traffic or at junctions if gear changes become erratic or the car fails to select gears.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.