Powertrain, generic (extended)

P288A Park Lock/Pawl Actuator Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P288A is set when the park lock actuator circuit reads higher than allowed, typically because it has contact with battery voltage or the load itself is shorted. Ford's 2024-25 summary books it as P2887_12, short to power, on Ford's three transverse 8-speed automatics (8F24, 8F35/8F40, 8F57); on the TR9070 dual-clutch transmission the same code stands for a shorted load on the parking lock hold solenoid, so the coil resistance has collapsed and the stage sees excessive current. Possible sources are a harness rubbed against a live feed, a wrongly repaired splice, a shorted coil or an internal actuator fault. The control unit protects its stage by switching off, which leaves the lock in whatever state it was. Measuring coil resistance and checking for voltage on the control line with ignition on usually separates wiring from actuator.

Likely causes

Control line shorted to a battery-voltage feed
Shorted turns in the actuator or hold solenoid coil
Faulty earlier harness repair

Symptoms

  • Shift system warning, park lock function switched off
  • Car stays in its last position, P or drive range

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–1,800
Time0.5–4 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

park lock actuatorpark pawlwiring harness

Related codes

P2887P2888P2889P288BP2827

References: fordservicecontent.com, law.cornell.edu.