Is it safe to drive with this code?

Driving with P0288 is not typically recommended, as the affected cylinder may not be receiving proper fuel delivery, which can lead to uneven running, reduced performance, and potentially damage other engine components over time — see our disclaimer for guidance on drivability.

P0288 may affect your MOT result if the malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light) is illuminated at the time of the test, as emissions and engine management system faults are assessed — refer to our disclaimer for MOT-specific information.

Roughly how much does it cost to fix?

Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause: rectifying a loose connector or minor wiring issue may fall into the low two-figure range, while replacing a faulty fuel injector typically costs in the low to mid three-figure bracket, and engine control module faults can reach the high three-figure or even four-figure range at main dealers, with independent garages often being more competitive.

Do I need to replace the injector or can it be cleaned?

While P0288 specifically indicates an electrical circuit fault rather than a mechanical blockage, some mechanics may attempt a professional injector cleaning service first to rule out internal deposits affecting electrical performance, though in many cases the injector itself or its wiring will require repair or replacement.

Professional mechanic working in workshop

← All fault codes | Fuel System

P0288

Powertrain

Cylinder #10 Injector Circuit Low

The engine control module has detected an abnormally low voltage signal in the electrical circuit that controls the fuel injector for cylinder 10, which may affect fuel delivery to that cylinder.

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ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P0288. We do not assess the urgency or safety implications of any specific fault. That requires in-person diagnosis by a qualified mechanic. Full terms.

Recommended next steps

Whether a fault is urgent, drivable, or routine depends entirely on the cause on a specific vehicle, and that can only be determined by a qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment. If a warning light is illuminated, the most reliable next step is professional diagnosis.

What does P0288 mean?

P0288 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Cylinder #10 Injector Circuit Low.

This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.

About Fuel System codes

Fuel system codes cover everything from the tank to the injectors: fuel pumps, filters, pressure regulators, rail pressure sensors, and injectors themselves. On modern common-rail diesels these codes can cause hard starting, limp mode, or no-start conditions.

P0288 is one of 469 codes in this category. Browse all Fuel System codes →

What we know about P0288 specifically

We record the SAE J2012 standardised definition and the system this code belongs to, but we have not yet published detailed driver-reported symptoms, common causes, or step-by-step diagnostic guidance for P0288.

Rather than invent that information by generating generic content from a template, we leave it out. For specific guidance, the most reliable sources are:

•your vehicle's own service manual or manufacturer-specific technical bulletins
•a qualified mechanic with a manufacturer-level diagnostic tool
•a marque specialist familiar with your make and model

Codes nearby

Codes adjacent to P0288 in the P-code series. Many fault codes appear together with their neighbours because they relate to the same circuit or component.

P0283 Cylinder #8 Injector Circuit High

P0285 Cylinder #9 Injector Circuit Low

P0286 Cylinder #9 Injector Circuit High

P0289 Cylinder #10 Injector Circuit High

P0291 Cylinder #11 Injector Circuit Low

P0292 Cylinder #11 Injector Circuit High

Other Fuel System codes

Other fault codes in the same system as P0288. The ones with detailed guides have plain-English explanations, symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

P0087

Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low Detailed guide

P0089

Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Performance Detailed guide

P0090

Fuel Pressure Regulator Control Circuit/Open Detailed guide

P0100

Mass or Volume Air Flow (MAF) Circuit Malfunction Detailed guide

P0106

Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance Problem Detailed guide

P0170

Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 1) Detailed guide

Spotted an issue or have something to add? Mechanics, technicians, and drivers who have first-hand experience with P0288 can submit a correction or expansion. We review every submission before publishing, mechanic submissions are prioritised.

Information only, not professional advice

The information on this page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or repair advice from a qualified mechanic. Always verify any fault before paying for repairs. carfaultcodes.co.uk accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. Full terms →

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