P0233 code meaning
Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0233 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. P0233 reports brief, recurring dropouts in the pump power circuit that count neither as steadily low nor high. The secondary circuit is the power side of the same pump, not a second pump. No manufacturer using this code was found – GM counts intermittent faults within P0231/P0232/P023F, Ford's relay systems only use P0230–P0232; the description follows CARB's output monitoring requirement and Ford's description of the power circuit. Symptoms are occasional stumbling, stalling or starting problems.
P0233 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0233
- Occasional stumbling or jerking
- Engine stalls now and then
- Occasional starting problems
- Check engine light on
Common causes of P0233
- Most likelyLoose contact at pump connector, tank flange or relay socket
- PossibleRelay contacts burnt (intermittently high resistance)
- PossibleHarness chafing at underbody or tank with intermittent contact
- Less likelyPump motor with commutator or brush dropouts
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel pumpFuel pump relayFuel pump wiring
What each part of P0233 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). |
| 33 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0233 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 P0233
What does P0233 mean?
P0233 means "Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent". 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 P0233?
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 P0233 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0233 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 P0233 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0233 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.