P0232 OBD-II Trouble Code: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High

P0232 code definition

Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High

What the P0232 code means

P0232 is a generic OBD-II code that is triggered when the engine control module (ECM) detects that the secondary circuit to the fuel pump has a high voltage when the fuel pump relay is turned off.

What causes the P0232 code?

• The engine control module (ECM) monitored the secondary fuel pump circuit voltage from the fuel pump relay when the relay is turned off and there was voltage getting to the fuel pump to keep running the pump even after the key is turned off

• The fuel pump relay is stuck on, keeping power supplied to the fuel pump even after the ignition has been turned off

• The fuel pump secondary power circuit has a short to battery voltage

What are the symptoms of the P0232 code?

• The Check Engine Light will be illuminated and the P0232 code is set in ECM memory

• The fuel pump will continue to run even after the key is turned off, draining the battery

• The vehicle will fail to start after the battery has been drained, unless jump started

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0232 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

• Tests to see if voltage is getting to the fuel pump secondary circuit through the IFS and relay after the engine has been turned off

• Lightly taps the relay, if power is still being supplied through the relay, to see if power turns off, which would indicate that the relay is sticking and needs replaced

• Check for an internal short in the ECM if it continues to supply power to the relay after the ignition has been turned off

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0232 code

Follow these simple guidelines to prevent misdiagnosis:

• Look for a stuck fuel pump relay by lightly tapping it to see if it is sticking, while monitoring to see if the voltage turns off to the secondary circuit

• Check the electrical connections at the fuel pump relay for a shorted connector wiring

How serious is the P0232 code?

• If the relay is stuck in the On position, the fuel pump secondary circuit can continue to run the fuel pump until the battery dies

• The continued short will not only kill the battery, but will put excessive strain on the fuel pump and wiring to the pump, causing additional failures of components

What repairs can fix the P0232 code?

• Replacing the fuel pump relay if it is making a connection on the secondary side of the relay after the ignition is turned off

• Repairing the fuel pump relay connector if shorted to power on the secondary side

• Replacing the battery after the relay is replaced, if it will not recharge

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0232 code

Code P0232 is triggered when voltage in the fuel pump secondary circuit is shorted to vehicle power through the relay. The ECM monitors this voltage to see if it stays on after the key is turned off. The most common failure is a relay stuck to the On position internally.

Need help with a P0232 code?

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