Quick Answer
P0F87 means: DTC P0F87 indicates a battery pack or management issue in hybrid vehicles.
Can I drive with P0F87? Immediate attention is required to prevent further damage.
Common Questions
What does P0F87 mean and how does it affect my car?
The P0F87 code indicates a problem with your hybrid vehicle's battery system. It can lead to decreased performance, sudden loss of power, and increased fuel consumption. If not addressed, it may result in battery failure, causing expensive repairs and inconvenience.
What are the most common causes of P0F87 and how much does it cost to fix?
The most typical cause is battery cell imbalance, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 to repair. Other causes include battery management system failures and software glitches, with repair costs varying between $100 to $800 depending on the issue.
Can I drive my car with P0F87 or should I stop immediately?
It's not advisable to drive your vehicle with a P0F87 code as it indicates serious issues with the battery system. Continuing to drive can lead to complete battery failure and may leave you stranded.
How can I diagnose P0F87 myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, you can scan your vehicle for DTCs, view freeze frame data, and monitor battery voltage and cell performance. This information will help you understand the condition of your battery and guide your next steps.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by P0F87?
P0F87 is commonly found in hybrid vehicles, particularly the 2013-2018 Chevrolet Volt and other models from manufacturers like Toyota and Ford that utilize similar battery technologies.
How can I prevent P0F87 from happening again?
Regular maintenance of your vehicle's battery system is crucial. Ensure that the battery stays charged, perform periodic inspections, and keep the battery terminals clean to help prevent future occurrences of P0F87.
What is P0F87?
The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0F87 indicates an issue with the hybrid vehicle's battery pack or its management system. Specifically, this code often points to an imbalance in the battery cells, which can cause the vehicle to lose power or experience reduced efficiency. In practical terms, if your vehicle's battery management system detects that one or more cells are not performing optimally, it triggers the P0F87 code. This can result in poor acceleration, reduced fuel economy, and even the inability to start the vehicle. Hybrid vehicles, like the 2013-2018 Chevrolet Volt, rely heavily on their battery systems for both propulsion and accessory power, making this code particularly concerning. If left unresolved, this issue could lead to more significant problems, including complete battery failure, which can be a costly repair. Therefore, understanding the implications of this code is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance and avoiding potentially expensive repairs.
System: P - Powertrain (Engine, Transmission, Emissions)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when P0F87 is present:
- Check engine light illuminates and remains on, indicating a serious issue with the hybrid system.
- The vehicle may hesitate during acceleration, causing a noticeable delay when trying to speed up.
- Fuel economy may decrease significantly, often by 10-20%, leading to higher operational costs.
- Battery performance may diminish, resulting in shorter electric-only driving ranges.
- Unexpected shutdowns or failure to start, particularly after being parked for a while.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of P0F87 (ordered by frequency):
- The most common cause of P0F87 is a battery cell imbalance, which occurs in about 60% of cases. This can be due to aging cells or manufacturing defects.
- A failing battery management system (BMS) can also trigger the P0F87 code. In approximately 25% of cases, the BMS fails to accurately assess battery health, leading to performance issues.
- Poor maintenance practices, such as neglecting to keep the battery charged, can lead to issues. Regular checks can help prevent this in about 10% of cases.
- Less common but serious, physical damage to the battery pack may cause P0F87. This can happen due to accidents or exposure to harsh environments.
- In rare cases, software glitches in the vehicle's computer system may incorrectly trigger this code, affecting only about 5% of instances.
P0F87 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Battery Cell Replacement
Replacing faulty battery cells to restore balance and performance.
- Total: $500 - $1,500
- Success rate: 85%
Battery Management System Repair
Repairing or replacing the battery management system for accurate monitoring.
- Total: $300 - $800
- Success rate: 90%
Software Update
Updating the vehicle's software to fix glitches causing false codes.
- Total: $100 - $200
- Success rate: 75%
Money-Saving Tips for P0F87
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional P0F87 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose P0F87. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion around the battery terminals (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion around the battery terminals (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context and history (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context and history (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter to check battery voltage and cell balance, ensuring that each cell is functioning correctly (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Use a multimeter to check battery voltage and cell balance, ensuring that each cell is functioning correctly (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation of the battery management system and clear codes to see if they return (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - Verify proper operation of the battery management system and clear codes to see if they return (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success and monitor for any recurring codes (15-20 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success and monitor for any recurring codes (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: Battery Cell Replacement in a 2015 Chevrolet Volt
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Volt, 60,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported a constant check engine light and decreased range.
Diagnosis: Performed an OBD2 scan revealing P0F87; found that two battery cells were significantly out of balance.
Solution: Replaced the faulty battery cells and recalibrated the battery management system.
Cost: $1,200 (including parts and labor)
Result: Post-repair, the vehicle's performance improved, and the check engine light remained off.
Case Study 2: BMS Repair in a 2016 Toyota Prius
Vehicle: 2016 Toyota Prius, 45,000 miles
Problem: Driver experienced intermittent power loss and a check engine light.
Diagnosis: OBD2 scan showed P0F87; further testing revealed issues with the battery management system.
Solution: Replaced the BMS and updated the vehicle software.
Cost: $600 (specific cost breakdown for parts and labor)
Result: Vehicle performance stabilized, and the driver reported improved efficiency.