P2187 means the engine is running too lean specifically at idle speed on Bank 1. The fuel system is not delivering enough fuel relative to the amount of air entering the engine at low RPM. This is different from P0171, which indicates a lean condition across all operating ranges.
Scan your own car in about 60 seconds: see whether P2187 is really what it has, how urgent it is, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android, on any ELM327 adapter.
Get Skanyx freeP2187 means the engine is running too lean specifically at idle speed on Bank 1. The fuel system is not delivering enough fuel relative to the amount of air entering the engine at low RPM. This is different from P0171, which indicates a lean condition across all operating ranges.
P2187 is a fuel system-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P2187 and illuminates the check engine light.
If your vehicle has triggered P2187, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
Here are the most common causes of P2187:
Generally yes, for short-term driving. Short-term driving is acceptable but a lean condition can cause engine overheating and catalyst damage over time. Avoid heavy loads or sustained high-speed driving until diagnosed.
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P2187:
Repair costs for P2187 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Full repair guides
P2187 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:
The Astra H and J with the Z16XER and A16XER engines trigger P2187 from intake manifold gasket failures. These engines use a plastic intake manifold with rubber gaskets that harden over time. A simple gasket replacement (under 80 EUR) usually resolves the issue.
These codes are often seen alongside P2187 or indicate related issues:
P2187 means your engine is running too lean (too much air relative to fuel) specifically at idle speed on Bank 1. The ECU has detected that it needs to add more fuel than expected to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio at idle.
P0171 indicates a lean condition across all engine operating conditions, while P2187 is lean only at idle. P2187 strongly suggests a vacuum leak, since vacuum leaks have the most effect at idle when airflow is lowest and manifold vacuum is highest.
Yes, a vacuum leak is a usual cause of P2187. At idle, engine vacuum is at its highest, so even a small leak allows significant unmetered air into the intake. A smoke test is the best way to find vacuum leaks.
It can. A contaminated MAF sensor underreads airflow, causing the ECU to deliver insufficient fuel. Cleaning with dedicated MAF sensor cleaner spray is a simple first step that costs under 10 EUR and takes 10 minutes.
Short-term driving is safe, but a persistent lean condition at idle causes rough running and can lead to catalytic converter overheating over time. Diagnose and repair the cause within a few weeks.
A 15 euro Bluetooth adapter and a free phone app read the exact fault code a shop charges 30 to 100 euros to pull. Here is how to do it yourself in 5 minutes.
A flashing check engine light means the engine is misfiring right now. Pull over and read the code: the fix is usually $80 to $400, the delay costs $1,500 up.
An unfamiliar symbol just lit up and you need to know whether to stop. Read the colour first, then find your symbol in the table: every one carries its verdict.
Your car logged P2187. Skanyx reads it on any standard Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €35-€380 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.
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