P288E code meaning
Shift Fork A Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High
Powertrain system Generic code P28xx codes Check engine light
What P288E means
P288E is a self-protection code of the output stage that powers the actuator of shift fork A. The driver reports a current above its limit or an excessive chip temperature, and the module throttles or switches off that actuator. No manufacturer documents P288E publicly. Ford's DPS6 shows where such a stage sits: a motor driver chip inside the TCM, which Ford calls the ATIC, sets the current of the three-phase motor for drum A, yet Ford books faults of that chip as P2831, not P288E. Plausible triggers are a shorted winding or lead, a drum or fork that binds so the motor stalls at full current, repeated shift attempts against a blockage, and heat in the transmission housing. CARB 13 CCR 1968.2 sets the monitoring duty. With fork A out of action, 1st, 3rd and 5th may no longer engage.
P288E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P288E
- Odd gears do not engage, car may start in 2nd
- Transmission warning and limp mode
Common causes of P288E
- Most likelyShorted winding or lead in the fork A actuator circuit
- PossibleBinding drum or fork stalling the actuator under full current
- Less likelyHigh transmission temperature adding heat to the driver
- Less likelyDefective driver stage in the control unit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift fork actuator aTCM
What each part of P288E means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 8 | Area: transmission. |
| 8E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P288E 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 P288E
What does P288E mean?
P288E means "Shift Fork A Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High". P288E is a self-protection code of the output stage that powers the actuator of shift fork A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P288E?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P288E the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P288E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P288E is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P288E to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P288E clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.