P0488 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0488 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0488 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 :

An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code
Rusty exhaust systems, cracked exhaust manifolds or damaged or missing gaskets or donuts will cause air leaks.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Repair Processes :

Look for rubbing, scraping, bare wires, worn spots or melted plastic connectors. Pull the connectors apart and carefully look at the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. 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. Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0488 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 P0488.

Fortunately, P0488 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

P0488 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

P0488 Ford Courier Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit Malfunction
P0488 Nissan El Grand Clutch Pedal Switch B Circuit
P0488 Treser Roadster Passenger Side Crash Sensor Communication Fault (Non SCP)
P0488 Marmon V16 Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Mode Select Circuit Failure
P0488 Honda N600 RCNT Solenoid Circuit Malfunction
P0488 Pontiac Aztec Exhaust Pressure Control Valve Intermittent
P0488 Adler Trumpf ABS Outlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Ground