P0288 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Code P0288 is targeted when the Engine Control Module (ECM) identifies a low voltage in the Fuel Injector 10 Circuit.

During normal conditions, the ECM turns the Fuel Injectors ON and OFF in the Fuel Injection System.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 10 Injector Circuit Low?

• Filthy Fuel Injector 10
• Defective Fuel Injector 10
• Clogged Fuel Injector 10
• Fuel injector harness 10 is open or shorted
• Fuel injector circuit 10 poor electrical connection

1. Fuel Injector - As soon as the engine is misfiring, it quickly overheats and pre-ignites the mixture of fuel. A damaged fuel injector not only produces issues while driving, but the outcomes persist even when the engine functions inefficiently on energy. Rather than an engine running very low on power, it will begin to get jerky and irregular when the fuel storage is unpredictable.
2. Engine Control Module - The ECM can falter when there’s damage or breaks to the internal wiring in the Injector wiring harness or the sensor wiring harness, causing a short in the ECM, or corrosion can access into the ECM through the wiring harness. This is also a result by exposure to the elements.
3. Engine Misfire - Persisting to drive with an engine misfire could ruin a coil and you will pay more money. If an injector problem produces the misfire, you could severely corrode your engine. Running that cylinder too thin will make it overheat and possibly damage the valve or the piston.
4. Electrical Connector - Fuel injector connectors are more likely to worsen with age, wear and tear. The fuel injectors situated on the engine are exposed to intense heat, vibration, and chemical fumes. During this time, all these results will deteriorate the connectors’ nylon body to an extent that they will eventually crumble. It’s best to make sure that you find the correct fuel injector connector for your vehicle.
5. Powertrain Control Module - A defective PCM could go out of control to a degree that your car won’t start or come to a halt when running. You will begin to see that emissions going short, which signals the failure to control the emissions system, so with a PCM that’s not working properly, it’s necessary that you have it replaced right away.
6. Fuel Pump - Insufficient flow limits cooling and lubrication of the pump. A leading cause of fuel pump failure is running the fuel tank poorly. This is specifically critical on late model cars without a fuel pressure return system. Running such a vehicle out of fuel once can permanently damage the fuel pump.

If your vehicle provides a P0288, wait for a Check Engine Light to turn on. Your engine will possibly be performing rather harshly, until you can get it fixed. As we mentioned above, your fuel economy will probably start to suffer – in a matter of time this will get even worse. When you try accelerating, the associated problems will slow down your vehicle and may even make a clunking sound.

• Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
• Engine Misfire
• Engine Runs Harsh
• Poor MPG

The following are some of the repairs that the mechanic can appoint to fix the P0288 code:

• Pull the fuse to the fuel pump.
• Start the car and keep it running until it expires from insufficient fuel.
• Remove and plug the fuel return line attached to the fuel pressure regulator. This is to prevent the cleaner from coming back to the fuel tank.
• Remove the Schrader valve in the fuel rail test port. Install the flush kit fuel line to this test port. Thread the high-pressure fuel injection cleaner bottle on the flush kit fuel line.
• Start the engine and enable it to run until it runs out of fuel. It will be running on the cleaner bottle alone.
• When the engine quits, turn the key off and remove the flush kit line and replace the Schrader valve. Install the fuel pump fuse
  

Your mechanic will be most likely to inspect your vehicle’s fuel injectors to his own illegal act. They’ll use a DVOM to test their resistance. If they all check out, they’ll move onto looking for an issue with the electrical components of your car. There could be a problem with the wiring of your starter solenoid, alternator, oxygen sensor, etc. Even something like a high-powered stereo or some other third-party part that was installed incorrectly could cause the P0288 code.

• The majority of modern automotive fuel injectors are actuated via a locking two-wire electrical connector.
• They are supplied with a constant supply of voltage (comparable to that of the battery), through a fused power wire.
• The circuit is completed by the second wire, which is grounded by the fuel injector driver in the PCM (or other suitable controller) in the form of regulated pulses.
• When the circuit is completed, the fuel injector is activated and a spray of fuel is injected into the individual cylinders (multi-port fuel injection) or throttle body (throttle body injection). A scanner (or code reader), a digital volt/ohmmeter, a suitable “node lamp” and a manufacturer’s service manual (or the equivalent) will be helpful in successfully diagnosing this code-storing condition. Begin your diagnosis with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors.
• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as necessary.
• Always retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components (Including fuses) appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner (or code reader) to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data.

P0289 - Cylinder 10 Injector Circuit High