P1687 — Metering Oil Pump Malfunction

P1687 — Metering Oil Pump Malfunction. A fault in the sensor and actuator circuits. The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Typical causes: faulty sensor or actuator of the affected circuit, open or shorted wiring in the circuit, control module driver fault.

For Ford vehicles

metering oil pump stepping motor cont. circuit Mazda

powertrain (engine/transmission)

Is it safe to drive?

Short-term driving is OK In most cases the car remains drivable, possibly with reduced performance or a disabled auxiliary system. If symptoms include stalling, no-start or brake/steering warnings, treat it as urgent.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm P1687 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many P0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the metering oil pump for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
Subsystem check Run the module's actuator test for the metering oil pump if your scanner supports it — a component that does not respond to a direct command is confirmed faulty.
Subsystem check Measure reference voltage, ground and signal continuity at the component connector.
Subsystem check Wiggle-test the harness while watching the signal in live data — dropouts reveal broken wires.
Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm P1687 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for P1687 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Repair wiring or connectors: $80–$250; Control module repair: $300–$1,000; Replace the faulty sensor or actuator: $150–$500. Overall, fixing P1687 usually costs between $80 and $1,000. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

Will P1687 clear itself?

Sometimes P1687 clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.

What is the most common cause of P1687?

The most common causes are: faulty sensor or actuator of the affected circuit, open or shorted wiring in the circuit, control module driver fault.

How do I diagnose P1687 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm P1687, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the metering oil pump, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What are the symptoms of P1687?

Drivers most often notice: possible limp mode depending on the affected component, Check Engine Light on, increased fuel consumption in some cases, the affected system operates intermittently or not at all.

Is it safe to drive with P1687?

In most cases the car remains drivable, possibly with reduced performance or a disabled auxiliary system. If symptoms include stalling, no-start or brake/steering warnings, treat it as urgent.

When your check engine light comes on and you pull code P1687, it tells you the powertrain control module has detected a fault in the metering oil pump circuit. This code falls under the OBD2 generic powertrain category, which means it relates to engine and transmission management systems. The metering oil pump is responsible for precisely controlling oil flow to critical engine components, and when its readings deviate from factory specifications, the ECU logs P1687 to flag the abnormality.

The control module continuously monitors this pump through self-diagnostic routines while you drive. Unlike a straightforward electrical problem that points to a specific circuit, a "malfunction" designation for code P1687 means the fault could originate in the pump itself, the wiring feeding it, the electrical connectors, or even the module's internal driver circuitry. This ambiguity requires systematic electrical verification before any parts are replaced. When the module detects out-of-spec readings for a predetermined number of drive cycles, it stores P1687 and illuminates the warning light. The accompanying freeze frame data captures the exact engine conditions at the moment of failure — RPM, load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed — which gives you the best starting point for reproducing the fault during diagnosis.

Symptoms of P1687

The Check Engine Light illuminates once P1687 is stored. Depending on which specific circuit or component triggered the fault, the vehicle may enter a reduced-power limp mode to protect itself. Some drivers notice increased fuel consumption when the metering oil pump operates outside its intended range. The affected system — in this case the metering oil pump and its associated controls — may function intermittently or stop working entirely until the issue is resolved.

Common Causes of P1687

Loose, corroded, or damaged connectors at the metering oil pump or its control module are the most frequent culprits behind P1687. Internal failure of the metering oil pump itself can also trigger the code when the unit no longer delivers proper oil pressure or flow. Wiring issues — including chafed insulation, broken strands inside the harness, or poor crimp connections — cause the self-test to fail by introducing resistance or open circuits. A blown fuse protecting the metering oil pump circuit will cut power and produce the same fault condition. The control module's internal driver circuitry can fail, preventing proper command signals from reaching the pump or sensor. Faulty sensors or actuators within the affected circuit send incorrect data back to the module, causing it to flag a malfunction. Finally, an open or shorted wire in the circuit disrupts communication and forces the module to store P1687.

How to Diagnose P1687

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner and confirming P1687 is stored in the ECU. Save the freeze frame data immediately — this snapshot shows engine operating conditions at the exact moment the fault occurred, letting you recreate those circumstances during testing. Next, scan for any related diagnostic trouble codes. Codes that appear alongside P1687 often point toward the actual root cause rather than assuming the metering oil pump itself is at fault. Checking manufacturer technical service bulletins for your specific make and model is worth the time; some P0xxx codes have factory-issued software updates or known repair procedures documented by the automaker.

Visually inspect the entire wiring harness and connectors tied to the metering oil pump circuit. Look for damaged insulation, corrosion buildup, bent pins, or any signs of moisture intrusion. If your scan tool supports actuator tests, command the metering oil pump to activate directly. A component that fails to respond to a known-good command is confirmed as faulty. Measure reference voltage, ground integrity, and signal continuity at the pump connector using a multimeter. Finally, perform a wiggle test on the harness while monitoring live data on the scanner — any signal dropouts or irregularities indicate broken wires inside the insulation that are sensitive to movement.

Repair Options and Costs for P1687

Repairing damaged wiring or cleaning and tightening corroded connectors typically runs between $80 and $250 depending on accessibility and labor time. If the control module itself is diagnosed as the source of P1687, repair or replacement of the unit generally costs $300 to $1,000 including programming. Replacing a faulty sensor or actuator in the metering oil pump circuit usually falls in the $150 to $500 range for parts and installation.

Total Repair Cost for P1687

Depending on which component actually triggered the fault, total repair costs for P1687 range from $80 on the low end for wiring repairs up to $1,000 for full control module replacement. Most situations involve connector or wiring issues that cost under $300 to resolve. Spending time on accurate diagnosis before purchasing parts prevents unnecessary expense — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first thing to check.

Can You Drive with P1687?

In most vehicles, P1687 does not immediately disable the car. You can typically continue driving, though you may experience reduced performance or a disabled auxiliary system depending on which specific circuit failed. If the vehicle exhibits stalling, failure to start, or warnings affecting steering and braking, treat the situation as urgent and seek repair promptly.