Powertrain, generic (extended)

P288F Shift Fork B Actuator Control Circuit Driver Current/Temperature Too High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

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.

Likely causes

Short in the fork B actuator motor or its lead
Seized drum B or fork worn into its groove
Excessive fluid or ambient temperature
Driver stage in the TCM failing

Symptoms

  • Reverse not available, even gears skipped
  • Warning lamp and limp mode

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€150–2,500
Time1–8 h

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

Parts involved

shift fork actuator btcm

Related codes

P288EP285FP2861P2862P2836P288C

References: newtonnet.co.uk, law.cornell.edu.