C0288 code meaning
Yaw Rate Sensor Range
What C0288 means
No reachable J2012 list carries C0288, and no known maker files a yaw rate range fault under it. GM's PIP5094 contains the number, and AA1Car's GM brake table gives it a quite different meaning: Brake Warning Lamp Circuit Shorted to B+. The title describes a yaw rate signal that leaves its permitted span. Where GM documents that case, it uses C019B instead: on the 2011 Saab 9-5 the brake module flags a yaw signal out of its specified range and then turns ESP and the hill start aid off until the next ignition cycle. The older Saab 9-5 sensor covers about ±138 degrees per second, reads zero at rest and is checked every 20 ms. Bosch explains the micromechanical Coriolis measurement used in such sensors.
C0288 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0288
- Stability and traction control warning lamp on
- Stability control disabled for the rest of the trip
Common causes of C0288
- PossibleSensor bracket loose, bent or sensor mounted crooked after body repair
- PossibleYaw rate sensor drifting internally
- Less likelyUnstable supply or ground at the sensor
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Yaw rate sensorSensor clusterEsp control module
What each part of C0288 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 88 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0288 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C0288
What does C0288 mean?
C0288 means "Yaw Rate Sensor Range". No reachable J2012 list carries C0288, and no known maker files a yaw rate range fault under it. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0288?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0288 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0288 fail an emissions test?
C0288 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C0288 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0288 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.