What P023F means
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
P023F means the power circuit to the pump is open. GM pumps with their own power module, whose speed is controlled by rail pressure, measure the pump current: if it stays below 1 A (older modules 0.5 A) although the pump is commanded, the code sets with the warning light in the first trip, and fuel pressure diagnostics are suspended. The cause lies in the wire from module to pump or its return, the pump connector or the pump motor itself. The pump stops, so the engine will not start or dies – there is no limp mode.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Engine does not start, no pump noise
- Engine stalls while driving
- Check engine light on
Common causes
- Pump connector at tank flange or pump module open or corroded Most likely
- Fuel pump open internally (brushes, winding) Most likely
- Wire from module to pump or return wire open Possible
- Pump control module faulty Less likely
How to diagnose P023F
- 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.
- Inspect the parts involved: fuel pump, fuel pump control module, fuel pump wiring.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Vehicles that report P023F most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Acadia | 2021–2023 | 5 | — | |
| Chevrolet Blazer | 2021–2022 | 4 | — | |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 2021–2023 | 3 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P023F (13 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 2
- Fuel and air metering (injector circuit)
- 3F
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P023F?
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 P023F?
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.
Can I fix P023F myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. 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.