EngineLightCodes
Powertrain code

P0230 Fuel Pump Primary Circuit

Severity
Fix soon
Typical repair cost
$20–$390
Do it yourself
Possible, easy
Shop time
0.3–2 hours

The fuel pump circuit has two sides: the primary circuit is the engine module's output to the fuel pump relay coil (or to a pump control module), the secondary circuit is the power circuit from relay contact or module to the pump itself.

How the engine computer detects it

P0230 concerns the primary side. GM's output driver compares the commanded with the actual state of the relay control circuit and sets the code at 8 of 10 mismatches, after two trips; Ford checks for open or short circuits for 2–5 s. With a failed relay control the pump stays off and the engine will not start or dies; a short to voltage keeps the pump running and drains the battery. On Ford systems with a pump control module the code means its power relay circuit; on the Subaru-based Saab 9-2X it is the pump module's collective fault report.

Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages

Symptoms

  • Engine cranks but does not start
  • Engine stalls while driving
  • Check engine light on
  • No pump prime noise at ignition on; with a short to voltage the pump runs on and drains the battery

Common causes

  1. Fuel pump relay faulty (coil open or shorted) Most likely
  2. Control wire from module to relay open or shorted to ground or voltage Possible
  3. Relay supply, ground or fuse missing Possible
  4. With a pump control module: its supply, ground or the module itself Possible
  5. Engine module driver faulty Less likely

How to diagnose P0230

  1. Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
  2. Inspect the parts involved: fuel pump relay, fuel pump control module, fuel pump wiring.
  3. Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
  4. Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.

Reading the code

P
Powertrain
0
Generic (SAE) code
2
Fuel and air metering (injector circuit)
30
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code P0230?

Usually yes for a short time, if the car drives normally, the temperature gauge reads normal and the check engine light is steady. If the light flashes, the engine loses power or overheats, or other warning lights come on, pull over and have it checked.

Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0230?

Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.

Will P0230 clear by itself?

The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.

Can I fix P0230 myself?

Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: easy. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.

This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.