P2087: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

P2087 is reserved for a bank 2 sensor 2 exhaust temperature signal that is erratic or drops out. No manufacturer publishes it; we checked GM, Ford, VW, Deutz and the NHTSA bulletin index without a hit, and Ford's 2014 petrol list leaves it out. For a monitor in this style, GM's bank 1 counterpart P2085 is the reference: in table 18OBDG04 it counts resistance steps above 10 ohms between samples taken every 100 ms and sets a Type B code at 20 out of 40. CARB requires that intermittent faults of emission-relevant inputs be detected. If the code ever appears, the sensor connector and the lead along the second exhaust pipe are the first things to inspect. P2086 covers a steady but implausible value from the same sensor, P2034–P2036 its hard electrical faults.

Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so it only exists on V or boxer engines.

Symptoms

• Engine warning lamp on
• Unstable exhaust temperature value for bank 2 sensor 2

Most likely causes

• Intermittent contact in the bank 2 sensor 2 connector
• Lead chafing on the second exhaust pipe
• Sensor element with unstable resistance

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Read the soot load and differential pressure with a scanner
2. Gently move the wiring with the engine running and watch whether the reading changes.
3. Check the differential pressure sensor's hoses
4. Check the temperatures before and after the filter
5. Fix any fuel injection or EGR codes before regenerating
6. Perform a regeneration while driving or at a repair shop when the diagnosis allows it

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P2087 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 0: Subsystem depends on the code range
• 87: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P2087?

If the light is on steadily, take a highway drive or go to a repair shop soon. If the car is in limp mode or the light is flashing, do not push the engine.

What causes code P2087?

The most common causes are: intermittent contact in the bank 2 sensor 2 connector; lead chafing on the second exhaust pipe; sensor element with unstable resistance.

Related codes

• P2083Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
• P2085Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
• P2086Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
• P2034Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
• P2035Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
• P2036Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

Sources

• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.