P0288

Universal

Cylinder 10 Injector Circuit Low

Definition source: General OBD-II reference catalog
Definition verification: Not independently verified for display.
Time: Varies by diagnosis and vehicle | Diagnostic difficulty: Medium
Medium Severity

The engine computer has detected a low electrical signal in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 10. The injector normally meters fuel into that cylinder when commanded. A circuit fault may prevent it from operating correctly, but this code alone does not prove the injector itself has failed. Exact applicability depends on the vehicle's model, year, and engine.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If the engine is shaking severely, losing power, or the check-engine light is flashing, stop driving when safe and arrange inspection; continued severe misfiring can damage the catalytic converter. If the vehicle runs normally, avoid hard acceleration and have the fault checked promptly.

Common Symptoms

  • The check-engine light may come on, with or without noticeable running problems.
  • Rough running or engine vibration may occur if cylinder 10 receives too little or no fuel.
  • Engine misfire, reduced power, or hesitation may occur when the affected cylinder does not contribute normally.
  • Fuel economy or emissions may worsen if combustion is disrupted.
  • There may be no obvious symptoms, especially if the fault is intermittent.

Common Causes

  • A damaged, loose, corroded, or poorly connected injector plug or wiring may reduce the circuit signal.
  • Wiring damage or a short to ground may pull the circuit signal low.
  • An open or high-resistance connection, including a poor power or ground path, may interfere with injector operation or circuit monitoring.
  • The injector coil may be electrically faulty, though the code does not by itself establish that the injector needs replacement.
  • A fault in the engine computer's injector driver or related control circuitry is possible.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Check whether the engine is running roughly or losing power. If it is misfiring severely or the check-engine light is flashing, stop driving when safe and arrange professional help.
  2. With the engine off, inspect the accessible cylinder 10 injector connector and nearby wiring for looseness, corrosion, rubbing, or visible damage. Do not pull or probe wires while the circuit is powered.
  3. If you have a scan tool, note any other codes and misfire information before clearing codes; related information can help identify whether the problem is limited to this circuit.
  4. Confirm cylinder numbering and use the correct service information for the vehicle's model, year, and engine before attempting electrical tests or repairs.
  5. Leave powered circuit testing, injector-driver checks, and any wiring repair beyond a basic visual inspection to a qualified technician if you lack the required tools or procedures.

When to Call a Professional

A technician can confirm which cylinder the vehicle identifies as cylinder 10, review fault and misfire data, inspect the injector connector and harness, and test the circuit and injector using vehicle-specific service information. Electrical measurements or a suitable waveform test can help distinguish an injector fault from wiring, power supply, or engine-computer driver problems.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does P0288 prove that the cylinder 10 injector is bad?

No. It identifies a low electrical signal in that injector circuit. The connector, wiring, power or ground path, injector, or engine-computer driver could be involved.

Does this code mean fuel pressure is low?

Not by itself. The code refers to the electrical injector circuit, not a general fuel-pressure reading.

Can I keep driving with P0288?

That depends on how the engine runs. Avoid driving if it is shaking severely, losing power, or the check-engine light is flashing, because continued misfiring can damage the catalytic converter.

How is the cause distinguished from an injector failure?

A technician can inspect the connector and harness, review scan data, and test the injector and circuit using procedures and specifications for the particular vehicle.

Browse Available Code Guides

Previous and next available guides in database record order, across makes. Adjacent entries may share a code number and do not necessarily describe related faults.