P2087

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 2 Sensor 2

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 24 EN: 38 RU: 28

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Page language: EN

Causes

Corroded or loose connector at EGT sensor
Broken, chafed or grounding wires in the sensor harness
Intermittent internal sensor failure
Contamination or soot buildup on sensor
Exhaust leak or physical damage near sensor
Intermittent PCM input or poor ground connection

Symptoms

Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated with stored intermittent EGT code
Irregular or failed DPF regeneration cycles (diesel vehicles)
Limp/home mode or reduced engine/turbo performance on some vehicles
Increased exhaust smell or visible smoke during regeneration attempts

What to check

Retrieve freeze frame and readiness data; confirm P2087 is current or intermittent
Scan and view live EGT sensor data for Bank 2 Sensor 2 while warming the engine and during load/regen events
Visually inspect sensor, mounting, exhaust near sensor, connector and harness for heat damage, soot, corrosion or exhaust leaks
Backprobe connector and wiggle harness while observing live data to reproduce the intermittent behavior
Measure sensor circuit resistance/voltage (see vehicle service manual) and check continuity to the PCM ground/power pins
Inspect and test related grounds and power supplies; check for water or soot in connectors

Signal parameters

Sensor type: thermistor or thermocouple depending on manufacturer (verify with service data)
Expected signal: varies by type — thermocouples output millivolts proportional to temperature; thermistors change resistance/voltage across a reference circuit
Typical temperature operating range: several hundred °C during exhaust events; downstream (Sensor 2) normally cooler than upstream (Sensor 1)
Intermittent fault signatures: sudden signal drops to open-circuit, spikes, or repeated short-duration outages

Diagnostic algorithm

Confirm code and any related codes. Record freeze-frame and live EGT readings for Bank 2 Sensor 2. 2) Visually inspect the sensor, connector, and harness for corrosion, soot, heat damage, or exhaust leaks near the sensor. Repair obvious damage. 3) With the connector disconnected, check sensor terminals for corrosion, water, or loose pins. Clean or replace connector as required. 4) Measure sensor resistance/voltage per manufacturer specs. For thermocouple types, measure output while applying heat (propane torch cautiously) and watch for smooth response. For thermistors, compare resistance to expected values at known temperatures. 5) Backprobe the harness at the connector and check continuity and resistance from the sensor circuit to the PCM. Wiggle wiring and connectors to try to reproduce intermittent behavior while monitoring live data. 6) Check power/ground circuits for the sensor (if sensor requires ignition or heater power). Repair any poor grounds or power faults. 7) If wiring and connectors test good but the signal still behaves intermittently, replace the EGT sensor and re-check. Clear codes and perform a road/regen cycle to confirm repair. 8) If intermittent continues after sensor replacement, inspect wiring harness routing for heat/chafing, consider harness replacement or splice repair, and verify PCM input if all else checks good. Consider using oscilloscope for elusive transient faults.

Likely causes

Connector corrosion or loosened terminal on Bank 2 Sensor 2
Wiring harness damaged where it rubs or passes hot components
EGT sensor internal intermittent fault (thermal/age related)

Fault status

⚠️ Status

P2087 — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 2). Intermittent/open/short or faulty sensor signal detected; inspect sensor, wiring, connector, and related grounds/power.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours