P288EShift Fork A Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- 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.
- What you may notice
- Odd gears do not engage, car may start in 2nd
- Transmission warning and limp mode
- Likely causes
- LikelyShorted winding or lead in the fork A actuator circuit
- PossibleBinding drum or fork stalling the actuator under full current
- RareHigh transmission temperature adding heat to the driver
- RareDefective driver stage in the control unit
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Workshop only · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €150 – €2,500
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.