P0230 Fuel pump relay control circuit fault

Fuel pump relay circuit malfunction

P0230 in short

P0230 means the computer has found a fault in the circuit that switches the fuel pump relay. A bad relay, damaged wiring, a feedback circuit fault or a tripped inertia switch can cut fuel without warning, causing stalling or no start. Get it checked soon and avoid driving if the engine stalls.

The computer switches the fuel pump relay, which powers the pump. P0230 sets when the control or feedback circuit does not behave as expected.

TroubleCodes.net lists the relay, harness damage, a feedback circuit fault, the inertia switch and, rarely, the computer. It warns not to replace the pump unless it is shorted internally.

GM bulletin 3642 covers a 2006 light with P0230 and no performance problem and replaces the engine computer. A Cobalt kept P0230 after two relay swaps, so the relay is not always the answer.

Most likely causes

  1. Fuel pump relay failed or overheating

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the relay first, and a Cadillac DTS owner found the relay burning hot and stalling.
    What would change this
    Rises if swapping in a known good relay clears it. Falls if the code returns, as it did on a Cobalt.

  2. Harness damage or corrosion in the relay circuit or feedback circuit

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists harness damage and feedback-circuit faults.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring tests show opens or shorts. Falls if the circuit is good.

  3. Tripped or faulty fuel pump inertia switch

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the inertia switch, which opens the pump circuit after an impact.
    What would change this
    Rises if the switch is tripped. Falls if reset has no effect.

  4. Engine computer fault or software

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin 3642 replaces the engine computer for a 2006 P0230 with no performance concern; a dealer also suggested the computer on the Cobalt. Summary only.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered GM with a good relay and wiring. Falls otherwise.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes and freeze-frame data; ask whether the car has stalled or failed to start.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfThe car has stalled or lost power

      It meansTreat it as urgent and avoid driving.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOnly the light is on

      It meansInspect the relay and wiring.

      Go to step 2

  2. Check the fuel pump relay and fuse for heat damage or corrosion and inspect the relay wiring. Check whether the inertia switch (if fitted) has tripped.

    Use caution

    Warning:A hot relay is a fire risk. Do not keep driving if it overheats.

  3. Test the control and feedback circuits with a multimeter and wiring diagram; ask a dealer whether a computer bulletin applies.

    Best left to a shopTool: digital multimeter, wiring diagram

    Warning:Needs a professional shop with the right scan tool and wiring diagrams; do not guess at this step.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Engine may not start, or starts and stalls Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Intermittent loss of power while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Parts and cost context

  • Fuel pump:Do not replace the pump first; TroubleCodes.net says the pump rarely causes this code.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2006–2007 · Cobalt

    Possible — needs testing

    GM bulletin 3642 covers a 2006 light with P0230 and no performance concerns. A 2007 Cobalt had P0230 return after two relay replacements with intermittent power loss.

  • 3642Status unverified

    SES light with P0230 and no performance concern, replace ECM

    2006cobalt, malibu · NHTSA 10018533

    NHTSA summary only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

Ford

  • 15173Status unverified

    7.3L Powerstroke with P0230, P0640, P0670, P1662, P1690

    2002excursion, f-250-super-duty · NHTSA 624699

    NHTSA summary lists codes only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 49508Status unverified

    2.7L, 3.3L, 3.5L and 5.0L with P0230 and P27B2

    2021f-150 · NHTSA 10186650

    NHTSA summary lists codes only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for P0230 yet.

All Fuel pump and injectors codes

P0230 questions

Should I replace the fuel pump for P0230?

No, not first. The code points to the relay circuit; a Cobalt kept it after two relays, so test the wiring.

Sources and review

  1. P0230 fuel pump relay circuit malfunction — TroubleCodes.net
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11185728, 2009 Cadillac DTS: stalled in traffic; owner read P0230 as fuel pump relay after the relay got hot — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10312467, 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt: P0230 returned after two fuel pump relay replacements; car lost power intermittently — NHTSA
  4. General Motors bulletin 3642: SES light with P0230 and no performance concerns, replace ECM, 2006 Cobalt/HHR/Malibu/ION/G6/Solstice — General Motors
  5. Ford bulletin SSM 49508: 2021 F-150 with P0230 and P27B2 — Ford
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.