// Official meaning
Ford code for the brake pressure sensor / pressure switch input circuit — the pressure sensor inside the ABS pump body has failed.
// On the bench
A 2008 Focus ST came to us with exactly this code after the main dealer quoted around £1,600 + VAT for a new pump. Because the sensor lives inside the pump body, the dealer answer is always a complete unit. On the bench it is a repairable ABS module fault — we repaired the original ECU at a fraction of that price. Same pattern on Transits running Bosch 8.0/8.1/9.0 units: the pump runs continuously or not at all.
How it shows up
- ABS and traction control lights permanently on
- ABS pump running constantly, or never running
- Code returns straight after clearing
- Normal pedal feel — the hydraulics themselves are usually fine
What fixing it involves
Repair of your original ABS module — typically £150–£250 on the bench against £1,200–£1,800 for a new Ford pump. The repaired unit keeps its coding: refit, bleed, clear codes and drive. We can also do the complete job in the workshop including brake fluid change, bleed by diagnostic and reprogram.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the dealer say the whole ABS pump must be replaced?
Because the pressure sensor sits inside the pump body and Ford do not sell it separately. Component-level repair of the module gets around that — which is why our route costs a fraction of the £1,600+ dealer quote we have seen for this exact code.
Will the repaired unit need programming to my car?
No. It is your original module, so all coding and calibration stays intact. Refit, bleed the brakes, clear the codes — no dealer visit.
Which Fords get C1288?
We see it across the range — Focus, Transit, and other models on the shared Bosch ABS architecture. Send the part number from the pump label and your symptoms for a straight answer.