P023F code meaning
Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
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. 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.
P023F at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P023F
- Engine does not start, no pump noise
- Engine stalls while driving
- Check engine light on
Common causes of P023F
- Most likelyPump connector at tank flange or pump module open or corroded
- Most likelyFuel pump open internally (brushes, winding)
- PossibleWire from module to pump or return wire open
- Less likelyPump control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel pumpFuel pump control moduleFuel pump wiring
What each part of P023F 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). |
| 3F | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P023F 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 P023F
What does P023F mean?
P023F means "Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit/Open". 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 P023F?
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 P023F fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P023F 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 P023F to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P023F clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.