The output driver for shift fork A actuator reports current or junction temperature above its protection threshold. Stalled actuator or short-circuit fault.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive as little as possible and gently. If the transmission slips or stays in one gear, go slowly to a repair shop or call for a tow truck.
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Most likely causes
- Short to ground in actuator wiring
- Shift fork mechanically jammed — actuator stalls
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: hard
- It can trigger limp mode.
What each character of P288E means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 8: Transmission
- 8E: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P288E?
Drive as little as possible and gently. If the transmission slips or stays in one gear, go slowly to a repair shop or call for a tow truck.
What causes code P288E?
The most common causes are: short to ground in actuator wiring; shift fork mechanically jammed — actuator stalls.
Related codes
Sources
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.