P0230 code meaning
Fuel Pump Primary Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0230 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. 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.
P0230 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0230
- 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 of P0230
- Most likelyFuel pump relay faulty (coil open or shorted)
- PossibleControl wire from module to relay open or shorted to ground or voltage
- PossibleRelay supply, ground or fuse missing
- PossibleWith a pump control module: its supply, ground or the module itself
- Less likelyEngine module driver faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel pump relayFuel pump control moduleFuel pump wiring
What each part of P0230 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 30 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0230 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0230
What does P0230 mean?
P0230 means "Fuel Pump Primary Circuit". 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. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0230?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0230 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0230 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0230 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0230 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.