GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0231 00: Fuel Pump Control Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0232 00: Fuel Pump Control Circuit High Voltage

DTC P023F 00: Fuel Pump Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open or High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Fuel Pump Voltage

P0231 00

P023F 00

P0232 00

P023F 00

Fuel Pump Low Reference

--

P023F 00

--

P023F 00

J420 Ground

--

P023F 00

--

P023F 00

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) supplies a high voltage signal to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) when the ECM detects that the ignition is on. The high voltage signal from the ECM to the FPCM remains active for two seconds, unless the engine is in crank or run. While this signal is being received, the FPCM closes the ground switch of the fuel pump and also supplies a varying voltage to the fuel tank pump module in order to maintain the desired fuel rail pressure.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The FSCM detects a fault on the fuel pump voltage circuit that is above or below a predetermined voltage threshold.
    • The above condition is present for greater than 12.5 milliseconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0231 and P023F are A type DTCs.
    • DTC P0232 is a B type DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • DTC P0231 and P023F are A type DTCs.
    • DTC P0232 is a B type DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Using the Failure Records data may help locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information in the Failure Records can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can help determine how many ignition cycles that the diagnostic test reported a pass and/or a fail.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Fuel System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the FPCM. Test for 1.0 ohm or less between terminal 16 and 47.
  2. If greater than the specified value, test the fuel pump voltage circuit and the fuel pump return ground circuits for an open/high resistance. If those circuits test normal, replace the fuel tank pump module.
  3. Ignition OFF, reconnect the harness connector at the FPCM. Disconnect the harness connector at the fuel pump and sender assembly.
  4. Within two seconds of the ignition ON, test for 2 volts or greater between the fuel pump module voltage circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the fuel pump voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/ high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the FPCM.
  6. Ignition OFF, test for 0 volts between the fuel pump module voltage circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  7. If greater than the specified value, test the fuel pump voltage circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the FPCM.
  8. Ignition ON, test for 1.0 ohm or less between the fuel pump low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  9. If greater the specified value, test the fuel pump low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the FPCM.
  10. If all circuits test normal, replace the fuel tank pump module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for FPCM replacement, setup, and programming

Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module Replacement

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0231: Fuel Pump Control Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0232: Fuel Pump Control Circuit High Voltage

DTC P023F: Fuel Pump Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open or High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Fuel Pump High Signal

P0231

P023F

P0232

P023F, P2635

Fuel Pump Low Signal

--

P023F

--

P023F, P2635

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) supplies voltage to the fuel pump flow control module (FPCM) when the ECM detects that the ignition is on. The voltage from the ECM to the FPCM remains active for two seconds, unless the engine is in crank or run. While this voltage is being received, the FPCM supplies a varying voltage to the fuel tank pump module in order to maintain the desired fuel rail pressure.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0231, P023F

The ignition voltage is between 9-18 volts

P0232

The control enable voltage signal supplied for the ECM to FPCM is inactive for 4 seconds after engine has been shut off.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The FPCM detects a fault on the fuel pump voltage circuit that is above or below a predetermined voltage threshold.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0231, P0232 and P023F are Type A DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0231, P0232 and P023F are Type A DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

Using the Failure Records data may help locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information in the Failure Records can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can help determine how many ignition cycles that the diagnostic test reported a pass and/or a fail.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Fuel System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, command the fuel pump ON and OFF using the scan tool FPCM ECM fuel pump output control. The fuel pump should turn on and off.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel pump.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  3. Ignition ON, command the fuel pump ON and OFF using a scan tool ECM fuel pump output control. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF as commanded.
  4. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the FPCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the FPCM.
  5. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 2 and the control circuit terminal 1.
  6. Ignition ON, command the fuel pump ON using a scan tool. The test lamp should illuminate.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit terminal 2 for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the FPCM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, replace the fuel tank fuel pump module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module Replacement
    •  Control Module References for FPCM replacement, setup, and programming