Code Definition

P1187 — Variant Selection

System: Powertrain  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Generic

About P1187

P1187 is a manufacturer-specific powertrain diagnostic trouble code. It belongs to the P-prefix family of codes, which covers engine, transmission, emissions, or fuel-system faults.

Scanning & clearing: A generic OBD-II scan tool will usually read and clear powertrain (P) codes. For live data, freeze-frame capture, and bi-directional tests you may need a more capable scan tool that supports the vehicle's ECM protocol.

P1187 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The Engine Control Module (ECM) is configured with variant coding to match the specific vehicle specification, such as engine type, transmission, emissions standard, and installed control systems. DTC P1187 is set when the ECM detects that the stored variant coding is missing, invalid, corrupted, or does not match the expected configuration for the vehicle. This fault is commonly logged following ECM replacement, software programming errors, loss of coding data, or a mismatch between the ECM and other networked control modules.

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