P12A6: On Chevrolet, the fuel pump enable circuit voltage is not performing as expected
Fuel pump enable circuit voltage performance
Severity: Inspect soon
GM bulletins for this code describe a crank no start or an extended crank, so the vehicle may fail to start or leave you stranded.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop driving if the engine stalls while moving or loses power in traffic.
P12A6 in short
On Chevrolet, P12A6 means the fuel pump enable circuit voltage is not performing as expected. GM bulletins link it to a crank-no-start or long cranking on 2017 to 2021 trucks and SUVs. Causes listed include wiring, the fuel pump flow control module or its relay. Get it checked soon.
A fuel pump flow control module, driven by the engine computer, controls the fuel pump on many recent GM trucks. P12A6 is set when the enable circuit voltage is not as expected.
GM preliminary information PIP5719A and bulletin 20NA218 say it can come with a crank no start or an extended crank on Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Equinox and Escalade models.
Troublecodes.net lists wiring, the fuel pump flow control module and its relay as probable causes but gives no repair guide, so the exact repair depends on the GM bulletin for your VIN.
Pick your make
P12A6 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.
Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Condition covered by GM bulletin 20NA218
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM issued a technical bulletin for P12A6 with crank no start or extended crank, but the NHTSA summary does not state the repair.
- What would change this
- Rises if your VIN is covered and a dealer finds the bulletin applies. Falls on other vehicles.
Cause 2: Wiring or connector fault in the pump enable circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Troublecodes.net lists wiring first among the probable causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if the harness or connector shows damage or the voltage reading is off. Falls if the circuit tests clean.
Cause 3: Fuel pump flow control module or its relay
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Troublecodes.net names the module and its relay as probable causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if module output is wrong with good wiring. Falls if the module and relay test normally.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Ask a Chevrolet dealer whether PIP5719 or 20NA218 applies to your VIN.
IfIt applies
It meansThe dealer follows the GM procedure.
IfIt does not apply
It meansHave the pump control circuit tested.
Step 2: Have the fuel pump control module, relay and enable circuit voltage tested.
Warning:The fuel system is under pressure and a leak is a fire risk. Let a shop do it.
IfWiring is faulty
It meansWiring fault.
Points to: Wiring or connector fault in the pump enable circuit
IfModule or relay output is wrong
It meansModule or relay fault.
Symptoms
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Long cranking before the engine starts
- Check engine light
- Engine stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: Ask a Chevrolet dealer whether a GM fuel pump bulletin applies to your VIN.
Parts and cost context
- Fuel pump:Do not replace the pump first; the enable circuit and module are separate. Labour varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2017–2020 · Silverado 1500
Supported by vehicle dataGM PIP5719A covers P12A6 with a crank no start or extended crank on 2017 to 2020 Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. Not verified as current.
2021 · Tahoe
Supported by vehicle dataGM bulletin 20NA218 gives repair information for P12A6 on 2020 to 2021 Tahoe and Suburban and related trucks. Not verified as current.
PIP5719AStatus unverified
Possible P12A6 with crank no start or extended crank
2017–2020silverado-1500, silverado-2500-hd, tahoe, suburban, equinox · issued · NHTSA 10174826
GM preliminary information about P12A6 with a possible crank-no-start or extended crank concern on 2017 to 2020 trucks and SUVs.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
20NA218Status unverified
Repair for possible crank no start or extended crank with P12A6
2021tahoe, suburban · issued · NHTSA 10184497
GM technical bulletin giving repair information for a possible crank no start or extended crank concern with P12A6 on 2020 to 2021 trucks and SUVs.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P12A6 yet.
P12A6 questions
Does P12A6 mean a bad fuel pump?
Not necessarily. It is a fuel pump enable circuit code; wiring, the control module or its relay can be the cause.
Sources and review
- Chevrolet PIP5719A: Possible P12A6 with crank no start or extended crank
- Chevrolet 20NA218: Repair for possible crank no start or extended crank with P12A6
- P12A6 trouble code explanation
- 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