P288B: Park Lock/Pawl Actuator Circuit Performance
The park lock or pawl actuator does not engage or release within the calibrated time window. Mechanical resistance or weakened actuator.
What P288B means
P288B is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the transmission group. In plain English: the signal is within electrical limits but doesn’t make sense compared with other readings, so the part or system isn’t performing as expected.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
Post this code once and get quotes from local mechanics. Free to post.
Makes the repair and parts links below specific to your car. Kept in this browser only.
Common causes
- 01Increased friction in lock mechanismMost likely
- 02Actuator force degradedPossible
Can I drive with P288B?
Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.
This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
Why we rate it urgent
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P288B
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P288B. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the park lock actuator and park pawl for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Increased friction in lock mechanism; actuator force degraded. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P288B repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.
Parts and systems involved
- Park lock actuator
- Park pawl
- Wiring harness
P288B FAQ
What does P288B mean?
P288B means “Park Lock/Pawl Actuator Circuit Performance”. The park lock or pawl actuator does not engage or release within the calibrated time window. Mechanical resistance or weakened actuator.
Is P288B serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P288B as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
What causes P288B?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Increased friction in lock mechanism; Actuator force degraded. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P288B?
Typical labor is about $250–$875 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P288B myself?
DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P288B clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.