GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

An ignition voltage circuit and a ground circuit are supplied to the fuel pump control module. When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the fuel pump control module turns ON the fuel pump to full power within 24 ms. This facilitates rapid fuel prime for 500 ms. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the fuel pump control module on the fuel pump relay control circuit. The fuel pump control module varies the voltage to the fuel pump based on the signal from the ECM. If the fuel pump control module receives no fuel pump control signal from the ECM within 500 ms, the fuel pump control module will turn OFF output to the fuel pump.

At idle speed, the fuel pump control module sets the voltage potential to the fuel pump to 9.5 volts. This reduces fuel pump noise and vehicle system power requirements. When higher fuel volume is required, such as engine operation above idle, the fuel pump control module increases the voltage potential to the fuel pump to battery voltage.

The fuel pump control module also supplies the fuel pump speed output circuit and the fuel pump motor low reference circuit, which allows for enhanced fuel pump diagnostics. Therefore, the fuel pump control module is capable of diagnosing itself, the fuel pump relay control circuit, and the fuel pump performance. The diagnostic information is communicated from the fuel pump control module to the ECM through the fuel pump speed control feedback signal circuit.

If the fuel pump control module detects an open or a high resistance between the fuel pump control module and the fuel pump, DTC P0231 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0231 Fuel Pump Speed Output Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The fuel pump is controlled by the fuel pump control module.
    • The ignition voltage is between 6-18 volts.
    • The ignition ON time is more than 2 seconds.
    • DTC P0231 runs continuously once the above conditions have been met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The fuel pump control module detects an open or a high resistance between the fuel pump control module and the fuel pump.
    • The above condition is present for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Engine Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Crank the engine or start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions

3

  1. Remove the left rear wheelhouse liner panel. Refer to Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Replacement in Body Rear End.
  2. Disconnect the in-line harness connector for the fuel pump. Refer to Inline Harness Connector End Views in Wiring Systems.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the fuel pump speed output circuit and the fuel pump motor low reference circuit of the in-line harness connector.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Remove the left fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement - Left Side .
  2. Disconnect the connector for the left fuel tank module.
  3. Connect the in-line harness connector for the fuel pump. Refer to Inline Harness Connector End Views in Wiring Systems.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the fuel pump speed output circuit and the fuel pump motor low reference circuit at the connector for the left fuel tank module.
  5. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  6. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

5

Test the fuel pump speed output circuit between the fuel pump control module and the in-line harness connector for the fuel pump for an open and for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

Test the fuel pump motor low reference circuit between the fuel pump control module and the in-line harness connector for the fuel pump for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

7

Test the fuel pump speed output circuit between the connector for the left fuel tank module and the in-line harness connector for the fuel pump for an open and for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 8

8

Test the fuel pump motor low reference circuit between the left fuel tank module and the in-line harness connector for the fuel pump for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Test for shorted terminals and for poor connections at the left fuel tank module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

Test for shorted terminals and for poor connections at the fuel pump control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the left fuel tank module. Refer to Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module Replacement - Left Side

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the fuel pump control module. Refer to Fuel Pump Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 14

14

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK