P0230: Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction

What it means

An electrical fault in the fuel pump primary control circuit (relay or driver). The ECU detects an open, short, or out-of-range condition on the relay/driver output.

At a glance

• Usually lights the check-engine light

How it works

The fuel-pump primary circuit is the PCM-controlled side of the pump relay or driver, which switches power to the pump circuit. P0230 sets when the PCM detects an electrical fault in that control path, such as an open, short, or output outside its expected range.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Fuel pump relay failed
2. Wiring or connector fault

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Hard start, no start, or stalling under load
• Power loss especially at high load or rpm
• Possible long cranking time

How to diagnose it

1. Record freeze-frame data and check for related fuel-pump or engine-control codes to learn whether the fault occurred during starting or while running.
2. Inspect the fuel-pump relay, its socket, and the primary-circuit wiring for loose connections, corrosion, or heat damage.
3. Check the fuse and verify from service information whether the relay or driver receives the expected command when the pump should run.
4. Test the relay's primary control circuit and output using the wiring diagram and manufacturer's specification.
5. If the primary circuit operates correctly, check the pump's secondary power and ground circuits before condemning the pump.

Common fixes

• Reseat or replace a faulty fuel-pump relay after confirming the primary-circuit fault.
• Repair a loose, corroded, open, or shorted primary-circuit connection.
• Repair damaged relay-socket wiring or terminals.
• Replace a failed PCM fuel-pump driver only after wiring and relay tests isolate the driver.

Can I keep driving?

The engine may crank for a long time, stall, or fail to start, and stalling in traffic is hazardous. Avoid long or remote trips; if it stalls or will not restart, move to a safe location and arrange assistance.