P0288
Fix within a few daysCylinder 11 Fuel Injector Circuit High
Code P0288 means Cylinder 11 Injector Circuit High. Common causes: Faulty fuel injector (70%), wiring issue (25%). Drivability: No, stop driving if flashing CEL. Repair cost: $150-$400 DIY, $300-$1000 professional.
Can I Drive With P0288?
No, stop driving if flashing CEL
Immediate repair needed if Check Engine Light is flashing. If solid, limit to essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, loud engine noises, burning smell, significant power loss, engine stalls repeatedly.
Symptoms of P0288
- 1Check Engine Light is on or flashing
- 2Engine misfires or runs rough
- 3Reduced engine power
- 4Poor fuel economy
- 5Engine hesitation or stumbling
- 6Engine may not start or stalls
Common Causes of P0288
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
An internal electrical fault or open circuit within the injector itself causes the PCM to detect a higher-than-expected voltage.
70% of P0288 cases are fixed by replacing this part
A damaged wire, corroded connector, or loose connection to the Cylinder 11 fuel injector can create an open circuit, leading to a high voltage reading.
25% of P0288 cases are fixed by repairing wiring or connectors
A rare internal fault within the PCM's injector driver circuit can incorrectly report a high voltage for Cylinder 11.
5% of P0288 cases are fixed by replacing the PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the wiring and connector for Cylinder 11 fuel injector for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness.
- Listen for obvious misfire sounds from the engine, like a rough idle or shaking.
How to Diagnose P0288
- 1Check for other related codes like P0300, P030B, P020B.
- 2Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for Cylinder 11 fuel injector for damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
- 3With the engine off, disconnect the injector and use a multimeter to check the resistance of the Cylinder 11 fuel injector. Compare to specifications (typically 10-16 ohms).
- 4Use a noid light to test the injector pulse at the Cylinder 11 connector while cranking the engine. A missing or weak pulse indicates a wiring or PCM issue.
- 5If resistance is out of spec, or noid light test passes, swap the Cylinder 11 injector with an injector from a different cylinder (if accessible) and see if the code moves. If the code follows the injector, replace the injector.
P0288 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-Series Super Duty (Diesel)
2003-2024P0288 on these diesel trucks frequently indicates an electrical fault within the Cylinder 11 fuel injector itself. The high-pressure common rail (HPCR) injectors can develop internal shorts or open circuits. Wiring harness chafing is also a known issue.
80% fixed by replacing the injector or repairing wiring
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (Duramax Diesel)
2001-2024For Duramax diesel engines, P0288 can be caused by a failing injector or issues with the injector harness under the valve cover. The harness can become brittle or corroded over time, leading to intermittent or open circuits.
75% fixed by replacing the injector or harness
Mercedes-Benz (V12 engines)
2000-2024On Mercedes-Benz V12 engines, P0288 is less common but can occur due to a faulty fuel injector or issues with the complex engine wiring harness. Diagnosis requires careful inspection of the injector's electrical connector and resistance.
70% fixed by replacing the injector or repairing wiring
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0288 mean?
P0288 indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a higher-than-expected voltage in the electrical circuit for the Cylinder 11 fuel injector. This usually points to an open circuit or a fault within the injector itself.
Can I drive with P0288?
No, stop driving if your Check Engine Light is flashing or if you experience severe misfires, significant power loss, or a strong raw fuel smell. If the misfire is mild and the light is solid, limit driving to essential, short trips and fix it within a few days. Continued driving with a misfire can cause serious damage to your catalytic converter.
Will P0288 clear itself?
No, P0288 will not clear itself. The underlying electrical or mechanical fault causing the high circuit voltage must be diagnosed and repaired. After the repair, you will need to clear the code with an OBD-II scanner.
How do I fix P0288 myself?
Start by visually inspecting the Cylinder 11 injector's wiring and connector. If no obvious damage, test the injector's resistance with a multimeter. If the resistance is out of specification, replace the Cylinder 11 fuel injector. If resistance is good, use a noid light to check for a pulse at the injector connector to rule out wiring or PCM issues.
How much does it cost to fix P0288?
A DIY repair for P0288, primarily replacing a fuel injector, typically costs $150-$400 for the part. Professional repair at a shop can range from $300-$1000, including parts and labor, depending on the vehicle and injector accessibility.
P0288 keeps coming back - why?
If P0288 keeps returning, it often means the initial diagnosis missed the root cause. Common reasons include a faulty wiring harness that was not fully repaired, a new injector that is also faulty, or a rare PCM issue that was overlooked. Ensure all connections are secure and corrosion-free.
Will P0288 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0288 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. Any active Check Engine Light, especially one related to a misfire or fuel system fault, indicates an issue that prevents the vehicle from passing inspection.
What's the difference between P0288 and P0287?
P0288 indicates a 'Circuit High' condition for Cylinder 11's fuel injector, meaning the PCM detects a higher-than-expected voltage, often due to an open circuit or internal injector fault. P0287 indicates a 'Circuit Low' condition, meaning the PCM detects a lower-than-expected voltage, often due to a short to ground or a faulty injector coil pulling too much current.
P0288 on Ford F-Series Super Duty (Diesel)
On Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks with Powerstroke diesel engines, P0288 often points to a faulty fuel injector for cylinder 11. These injectors are critical for engine performance and can fail electrically. Diagnosis should focus on injector resistance and wiring integrity, as these engines are known for injector-related issues.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you check the resistance of the Cylinder 11 fuel injector?
Good answer: Yes, the resistance was [X ohms], which is outside the specified range of [Y-Z ohms]. This confirms an internal fault with the injector.
What did you find when inspecting the wiring harness to the injector?
Good answer: We found some chafing on the harness near the injector connector, which was causing an intermittent open circuit. We repaired the wiring and secured it.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$150-$400
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$300-$1000
Save $150-$600 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
1-3 hours
Intermediate - Requires basic electrical testing skills with a multimeter and potentially a noid light, along with general mechanical aptitude for injector replacement.
Cost of Waiting
Ignoring P0288 and the associated misfire sends unburned fuel into your exhaust system. This raw fuel will quickly overheat and destroy your catalytic converter, turning a $150-$400 injector repair into a $800-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement. Continued misfires can also wash oil off cylinder walls, leading to premature engine wear.
While You're In There...
Always replace these seals when removing and reinstalling a fuel injector to prevent fuel leaks and ensure a proper seal.
If you're already working on the fuel system, replacing the fuel filter is good preventative maintenance to ensure clean fuel delivery to all injectors.
On some engines (especially diesels), injectors are located under the valve cover, requiring its removal. Replacing the gasket prevents oil leaks.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II Scanner
- Multimeter
- Noid Light Set
- Basic Hand Tools (sockets, wrenches)
- Fuel Injector Puller (for some diesel applications)
- Torque Wrench
P0288 is a common fuel system code, often pointing to a faulty injector. While it needs prompt attention, it's a very fixable issue, and your engine will run smoothly again once repaired.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for Cylinder 11. Look for frayed wires, corrosion, or loose connections. Repair any damage.
Step 2: If wiring looks good, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the Cylinder 11 fuel injector. If it's outside the manufacturer's specification, replace the injector.
Step 3: If resistance is good, use a noid light to confirm the PCM is sending a pulse to the injector. If no pulse, further diagnose wiring back to the PCM or consider a PCM fault (less common).