EngineLightCodes
Powertrain code

P2187 System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1)

Severity
Fix soon
Typical repair cost
$20–$660
Do it yourself
Possible, medium
Shop time
0.3–4.0 hours

Fuel trim on bank 1 hits the lean limit only at idle, while trim returns to normal at higher load.

How the engine computer detects it

This pattern strongly indicates a vacuum leak — leaks become a larger fraction of total airflow at idle and so dominate the trim, but disappear into background noise above idle.

Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle, possible stalling
  • Hesitation or hard cold start
  • Power loss under load

Common causes

  1. Vacuum leak (intake gasket, brake booster, hoses) Most likely
  2. PCV valve stuck open Possible

How to diagnose P2187

  1. Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
  2. Inspect the parts involved: intake manifold, pcv valve, brake booster, vacuum hose.
  3. Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
  4. Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.

Reading the code

P
Powertrain
2
Generic (SAE) code
187
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code P2187?

Usually yes for a short time, if the car drives normally, the temperature gauge reads normal and the check engine light is steady. If the light flashes, the engine loses power or overheats, or other warning lights come on, pull over and have it checked.

Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P2187?

Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.

Will P2187 clear by itself?

The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.

Can I fix P2187 myself?

Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.

This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.