P0231 OBD-II Trouble Code: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low

P0230 code definition

Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction

What the P0230 code means

P0230 is a generic OBD-II code which indicates that the fuel pump primary circuit has a malfunction of the vehicle power to the fuel pump when it is commanded on or off

What causes the P0230 code?

• The engine control module (ECM) detects the primary fuel pump circuit voltage as below specifications from the fuel pump relay to the ECM

• The fuel pump relay main power supply could be low from a blown fuel pump fuse or fusible link, or from a shorted fuel pump or circuit

What are the symptoms of the P0230 code?

• The Check Engine Light will be illuminated

• The fuel pump may become inoperative if the fuel pump and relay is bad

• The engine may not start from a lack of fuel pump operation

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0230 code?

• Scans codes and documents the freeze frame data in order to verify the problem

• Clears the DTC codes to verify whether the concern comes back

• Checks the fuel pump fuse or fusible link to see if it is blown

• Tests voltage to the fuel pump relay primary circuit to be battery voltage

• Tests fuel pump relay primary circuit resistance for an open circuit

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0230 code

Follow these simple guidelines to prevent misdiagnosis:

• Verify that the battery voltage is within specifications and connections are good

• Check the electrical connections at the fuel pump relay for overheating from a fuel pump drawing too much power and overheating the circuit

How serious is the P0230 code?

• The fuel pump primary circuit powers the fuel pump relay and can cause a no start

• A low battery voltage can trigger the code if the voltage falls below a specified level

• The fuel pump may be drawing too much power and cause the low voltage condition

What repairs can fix the P0230 code?

• Repairing or replacing the fuel pump fuse or fusible link, and replacing the fuel pump
• Replacing the fuel pump relay
• Replacing the fuel pump only

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0230 code

Code P0230 is triggered by low voltage in the main power circuit of the fuel pump relay. The ECM monitors this voltage to see if it falls below a specified voltage.

If codes P0231 or P0232 are present, then follow the pinpoint tests for these codes first to narrow down the failure on the secondary side of the fuel pump circuit.

Need help with a P0230 code?

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