Faulty yaw rate sensor (internal failure or contamination).; Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the yaw rate sensor.; Poor electrical connection due to loose pins or water intrusion.; Failed stability control module (less common).; Low battery voltage or charging system issues causing erratic sensor signals.; Improper sensor calibration after suspension work or wheel alignment.; Mechanical damage to the sensor mounting or its mounting location.

DTC codes / C02xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0288

C0288Yaw Rate Sensor Range

Q: What does code C0288 mean?

Yaw Rate Sensor Range. C0288 indicates that the vehicle's stability control module has detected an out-of-range signal from the yaw rate sensor, which measures how fast the vehicle is rotating around its vertical axis. The computer sets this code when the sensor's voltage or data stream falls outside the expected range for the current driving conditions, often due to a faulty sensor, wiring issue, or calibration problem.

C0288 indicates that the vehicle's stability control module has detected an out-of-range signal from the yaw rate sensor, which measures how fast the vehicle is rotating around its vertical axis. The computer sets this code when the sensor's voltage or data stream falls outside the expected range for the current driving conditions, often due to a faulty sensor, wiring issue, or calibration problem.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

The stability control (ESC) warning light illuminates steadily on the dashboard.
The traction control system may be disabled, and the ESC off indicator may also come on.
During cornering, the vehicle may feel unstable or the stability control may intervene unnecessarily.
In some cases, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light may also illuminate if the fault affects shared components.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the sensor fails intermittently.

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty yaw rate sensor (internal failure or contamination).
Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the yaw rate sensor.
Poor electrical connection due to loose pins or water intrusion.
Failed stability control module (less common).
Low battery voltage or charging system issues causing erratic sensor signals.
Improper sensor calibration after suspension work or wheel alignment.
Mechanical damage to the sensor mounting or its mounting location.

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify battery voltage and charging system performance; low voltage can cause false codes.
Inspect the yaw rate sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose pins.
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or software updates for the stability control module.
Use a scan tool to read live yaw rate data and compare with expected values during a test drive.
Perform a calibration or relearn procedure for the yaw rate sensor as specified by the manufacturer.
If the sensor signal is erratic or out of range, replace the yaw rate sensor.
After repair, clear codes and verify the stability control system operates correctly.

Yaw sensor faults that mimic other issues

A misaligned steering angle sensor or a faulty wheel speed sensor can cause the stability control module to set a yaw rate code, so always check related sensors first.
The yaw rate sensor is often integrated into the airbag control module or stability control module, making replacement more expensive than a standalone sensor.
Intermittent C0288 codes can be caused by a weak battery or poor ground connections, especially in vehicles with start-stop systems.
After replacing the yaw rate sensor, a calibration procedure is mandatory; skipping it will cause the code to return immediately.
Some vehicles require the yaw rate sensor to be initialized with a factory-level scan tool, which many aftermarket tools cannot perform.

Can I keep driving with C0288?

If the stability control warning light is on, the vehicle may still be drivable, but the stability control system may not function in an emergency. Avoid aggressive driving, sharp turns, or slippery conditions, and have the fault diagnosed promptly to restore full safety system operation.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.