Fuel System - No Start/Runs Rough/MIL ON/DTC P0087
011011June 8, 2010
2023624
Vehicle Information
Condition
MIL ON, No Start or Rough Running (DTC P0087 - Rail Fuel Pressure Too Low)
^ MIL ON.
^ DTC P0087 (Rail fuel pressure too low) stored in ECM memory.
^ Excess rattling ("diesel clatter") coming from engine.
^ No start or hard starting condition.
^ Loss of power while driving due to fuel system contamination.
^ Contaminated fuel found in fuel system.
^ Rust or metal debris found in fuel system.
Technical Background
Contaminated or incorrect fuel can cause performance, drivability, and/or fuel delivery problems. Rust or metallic debris found in the fuel system indicates a major component failure. Additional component replacement may be necessary to ensure no contamination or debris remains after repair.
Reasons for fuel contamination can include water ingress in the gas station's holding tanks, errors made in fuel transport, and incorrect fuel being dispensed into the vehicle via the customer or service station (full service) employees.
Fuel system damage incurred by use of fuel not complying to ASTM-D-975 Grade 2 S15 (B5 or less biodiesel content) standards will not be covered under warranty. Best practice in this situation is to have the repairs covered by the insurance company of the gas station selling the contaminated fuel. This process can be initiated by vehicle owners contacting their own insurance company.
No production change required.
Service
Note:
Failure to follow these directions may result in immediate damage to any replacement parts due to fuel system contamination.
^ Inspect the fuel filter housing. If there is any indication of fuel contamination, metal shavings/debris (figure 1), or rust inside the fuel filter housing (figure 2), call the Technical Assistance Center CFAC) and open a ticket before attempting any repair.
^ Take a sample of fuel from the filter housing and place it in a clear container (figure 3). Wait for the fuel to settle and take notice of any separation of fluids or debris/sludge within the fuel.
If there is any evidence of fuel contamination, request that the customer produce any possible record of their last fuel purchase.
Warranty
Information only.
Not applicable to Volkswagen warranty.
Required Parts and Tools
No Special Parts required.
No Special Tools required.
Additional Information
All part and service references provided in this Technical Bulletin are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Dept. and Repair Manuals for the latest information.