B1288 Subaru Legacy 3 Diagnostic Trouble Code

B1288 Subaru Legacy 3 code definition:
B1288 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic B-Body Diagnostic Trouble Code for Subaru Legacy 3.

B1288 Subaru Legacy 3 is described as Fuel System Too Rich, which basically means bank 1's oxygen sensor has detected a rich condition of fuel. This means there's not enough oxygen in the exhaust from too much fuel being delivered into the air and gas mixture for combusion. So if the problem persists despite of your diagnosis, then you should never hesitate to take your vehicle to your dealer or to a qualified mechanic.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a B1288 Subaru Legacy 3 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Rich or lean exhaust
Fuel pressure too low
Engine surge
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.

Possible Causes :

Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.
Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Common Misdiagnoses

Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Performance Problem
TP Sensor Learn Not Complete Problem
Low Coolant Circuit Problem
Cruise Control System - Vehicle Accel Too High Problem
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem

Repair Processes :

Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust. With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. You might continue by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B1288 Subaru Legacy 3 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before B1288 Subaru Legacy 3.

Fortunately, B1288 Subaru Legacy 3 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.