OBD Guide

P288B

Park Lock/Pawl Actuator Circuit Performance

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Do not drive — repair immediately
Approx. repair cost
$28–167 (est.)

Symptoms

  • The car does not exit the parking mode (P)
  • Transmission indicator flashes
  • A transmission fault warning appears on the dashboard
  • Clicking noise when trying to change gears
  • The car may roll in the parking lot

Causes

  • Open or short circuit in the actuator circuit
  • Parking lock relay malfunction
  • Locking mechanism jammed
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) Problems
  • Wear or damage to the actuator itself

How to Fix

  1. Check fuses and relays associated with the system
  2. Diagnose the actuator circuit for opens and short circuits
  3. Check the mechanical part of the lock for jamming
  4. Replace a faulty parking lock actuator
  5. If necessary, reflash or replace the TCM module

Related codes

Error P288B by Vehicle Brand