P288F code meaning
Shift Fork B Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High
Powertrain system Generic code P28xx codes Check engine light
What P288F means
P288F tells that the driver for the shift fork B actuator has crossed its current or temperature limit, after which the TCM curbs or stops the actuator to save the electronics. Public manufacturer criteria for P288F are not available. Ford's DPS6 summary gives the setting: drum B, turned by its own three-phase motor, moves the forks that engage reverse and the gears 2, 4 and 6, and Ford files driver chip faults on that motor under P2836 instead. An actuator that pushes against a seized drum, a fork worn into its groove or a short in the motor lead drives current up, and hot fluid or a hot engine bay adds thermal stress. CARB 13 CCR 1968.2 provides the general basis. In practice the vehicle may refuse reverse or fall back to odd gears only, which makes parking and manoeuvring awkward.
P288F 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 P288F
- Reverse not available, even gears skipped
- Warning lamp and limp mode
Common causes of P288F
- Most likelyShort in the fork B actuator motor or its lead
- PossibleSeized drum B or fork worn into its groove
- Less likelyExcessive fluid or ambient temperature
- Less likelyDriver stage in the TCM failing
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift fork actuator bTCM
What each part of P288F 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. |
| 8F | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P288F 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 P288F
What does P288F mean?
P288F means "Shift Fork B Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High". P288F tells that the driver for the shift fork B actuator has crossed its current or temperature limit, after which the TCM curbs or stops the actuator to save the electronics. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P288F?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P288F the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P288F fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P288F 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 P288F to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P288F clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.