P0230 – Fuel pump relay -circuit malfunction
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P0230 | Fuel pump relay -circuit malfunction (Buy Part On Amazon) | Wiring, fuel pump relay, ECM |
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Table of Contents
- What Does Code P0230 Mean?
- What are the common causes of code P0230 ?
- What are the symptoms of code P0230 ?
- How do you troubleshoot code P0230 ?
- Codes Related to P0230
- Get Help with P0230
What Does Code P0230 Mean?
The internal combustion engine needs three basic things to start and run: air, fuel, and spark. With regards to this DTC (diagnostic trouble code), we’ll be focusing on fuel. The fuel system includes the fuel tank, a low-pressure fuel pump, sometimes a high-pressure fuel pump, fuel tubes and hoses, a fuel pressure regulator, and the fuel injectors. The fuel pump and fuel injectors are operated electrically and electronically, so there are also fuses, relays, and a controller for these. Usually, the controller is part of the ECM (engine control module), though some vehicles, such as some diesels, may have a separate fuel injector driver module.
Usually, the fuel pump relay is commanded by the ECM. The ECM grounds the fuel pump relay control or primary circuit, which then feeds power to the fuel pump using the power or secondary circuit. On some vehicles, turning the key on will turn the pump, on for a few seconds, to prime the system. If the ECM detects crank but not engine starting, using the RPM signal from the crank position sensor, it will turn off the fuel pump after a set period.
To ensure proper fuel system function, everything needs to work in concert. If there is insufficient fuel pressure, the fuel injectors won’t be able to deliver fuel properly, for example. Insufficient fuel pressure can be caused by any number of electrical problems. The ECM monitors the fuel pump relay circuit for voltage. If voltage malfunctions, it will set DTC P0230, which is defined as “Fuel Pump Relay – Circuit Malfunction.”
“Circuit Malfunction” indicates that there is a malfunction in the control circuit, as opposed to a fault in a sensor or other component. With “Circuit Malfunction” codes, replacement of sensors and components in the affected circuit will almost never resolve the problem, since as the code suggests, the trouble is in the circuit. This distinction between “circuit” and “sensor/component” is a great help to anyone trying to diagnose a circuit malfunction code, since it narrows the list of possible causes down considerably.
The causes of “Circuit Malfunction” codes are much the same as those for “Open Circuits” i.e., broken wiring, poor connections across electrical connectors or previously repaired wiring, loss of ground that prevents current flow, blown fuses, defective relays, faulty switches, or any of a host of other issues and problems that prevents a flow of current through wiring. Issues like high/low/intermittent voltages can set a “Circuit Malfunction” code on some applications. Moreover, “Circuit Malfunction” codes could also indicate a problem with negative current control / flow, as well as issues with failed or failing PCM’s (Powertrain Control Modules), although control module failure is a rare event.
What are the common causes of code P0230 ?
Depending on year, make, and model, DTC P0230 may have number of causes. Here are some of the most common.
- Relay – If the fuel pump relay is faulty, no voltage will go to the fuel pump or monitor.
- Harness Damage – If there is damage to the harness going to the fuel pump, it can cause excessive resistance (corrosion), an open circuit (broken wire), an intermittent open circuit (partly-broken wire), or a short to ground (contacting the body or chassis).
- Feedback Circuit – If there is an open circuit or corrosion in the monitor circuit to the ECM, the ECM won’t see fuel pump operation and will command the relay “off.”
- Inertia Switch – The inertia switch opens the fuel pump circuit, in case of an accident, to prevent the fuel pump from possibly dumping fuel onto the vehicle and the ground. This is a fire-prevention measure. If the inertia switch has been activated, even by a small impact, it could interrupt power flow through the fuel pump and to the ECM monitor.
What are the symptoms of code P0230 ?
Depending on the nature of the fault and the failure mode, the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) will illuminate, but you may or may not notice any drivability symptoms. The engine may not start, or start and then stall. Concurrent DTCs may include fuel system lean or misfire codes, if the fuel pump is not operating at full capacity.
How do you troubleshoot code P0230 ?
A circuit malfunction indicates there is a problem in the circuit, not necessarily in the sensor or actuator, in this case the fuel pump. Do not jump to replace anything unless it has been tested and found faulty. For example, replacing the fuel pump will not solve this problem unless the fuel pump is shorted internally. You’ll need a DMM (digital multimeter) and an EWD (electrical wiring diagram) to diagnose and repair this problem.
- Voltage Check – First, check that the battery has at least 12.6 V with the engine off and at least 13.5 V with the engine running. Correct any problems here before proceeding.
- Fuse Check – Check the fuel pump fuse. If the fuse is blown, this may indicate a short circuit somewhere in the system. Proceed with caution – simply replacing the fuse may result in another blown fuse until you repair the short circuit.
- Short Circuit Check – With the fuel pump relay removed, you should measure at least 4 Ω through the pump to ground. If you measure <4 Ω, you’ll have to find and repair the short circuit. Repeat the test with the fuel pump disconnected.
- If the short circuit persists, the short is somewhere between the relay and ground. Look for chafed wiring or poor aftermarket installations that may have caused the short-circuit.
- If you get an open circuit, >10 kΩ, the previous short circuit is in the pump. With the pump disconnected, measure resistance across the terminals. If you measure less than 4 Ω, replace the pump.
- Fuel Pump Relay Check – You can do this by swapping it with a known-good relay, such as for the wipers or headlights. Otherwise, you can bench-test it by powering the primary circuit and checking for resistance across the secondary circuit.
- If the relay swap works – you marked their original locations, right? – you can condemn the fuel pump relay.
- Short Circuit Check – With the fuel pump relay removed, you should measure at least 4 Ω through the pump to ground. If you measure <4 Ω, you’ll have to find and repair the short circuit. Repeat the test with the fuel pump disconnected.
If the relay swap doesn’t work, put the relays back in their original positions.
A General Fuel Pump Relay and Monitor Circuit
- Relay Inputs and Outputs Check – Two terminals of the fuel pump relay should have power and two of them go to ground.
- Test for resistance to ground on the secondary (fuel pump) circuit, which should measure at least 4 Ω to 6 Ω. Go back to the short circuit section above.
- The primary circuit is grounded by the ECM, so you should check for ground when you turn the key to the “On” position or try to crank the engine. If you see no ground, check for an open circuit somewhere between the relay and the ECM.
- Fuel Pump Monitor Circuit – With the ECM disconnected, check for continuity from the fuel pump relay secondary circuit to the ECM. An open circuit or excessive resistance here will fool the ECM into thinking the fuel pump isn’t getting enough voltage.
- If you measure more than 0 Ω, check for broken wires or corrosion. Repair as needed.
- Relay Inputs and Outputs Check – Two terminals of the fuel pump relay should have power and two of them go to ground.
Codes Related to P0230
- P0231 Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low
- P0232 Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High
- P0233 Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent
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Hello, what does it mean when the car says p0230-05 fuel pump primary circuit high? The error only pops up when im using more fuel then normally. If i drive slowly it disappears.
One morning the eng.check lamp lit up an i had no horsepower. I continued driving and eventually the power came back to a normal level. And the light turns of if i drive slow.
I already ordered a Dieselfilter and a new Relais.
The Fuel pump starts normally for a few seconds after i turned the key ones.
Im looking forward to hearing from you.
Alwin Seidel.
Alwin. Hello. Im not too familiar with opel vectras, but in most cases this code is for the primary fuel pump circuit. The possible causes for this code can be for the fuel pump relay; i.e the low side switching part of the relay, or high. It could also be the wiring harness going to the fuel pump. If all these check out okay, I would look into the ECU being the problem. It sounds like maybe the relay may be cutting out under heavy load and heavy fuel demands. I hope this helped you and good luck.
Hi, i tryed a new relay. Wasnt it. The old one lookes brand new. Then i took a look in the check book to see when the Diesel filter was changed. Its due after 60.000 km but the previous opel service shops changed it far earlier every time. So i did to. (After 25tkm). The error never showed up again and i think the car drove faster. But i never drove under high load at high temperatures with an empthy tank since then. I suspect the fuelpump isnt the best anymore and the diesel filter is very dense. So normally it already draws more current. And in the worst case, the ecu somhow notices that thats too much. Maybe the ecu cut the power to the relay because of overloade. Idk. I don’t have a manual. Ill try not to drive with an empthy tank so my fuelpump doesn’t die. Thanks for the reply never thought someone would answer.