GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) provides a ground to the coil side of the fuel pump relay. When the ignition switch is first turned On, the ECM energizes the fuel pump relay, which applies power to the fuel pump. The ECM enables the fuel pump relay as long as the engine is cranking or running, and crankshaft reference pulses are received. If no crankshaft reference pulses are received, the ECM de-energizes the fuel pump relay after 3 seconds. If the ECM detects low voltage on the fuel pump relay control circuit, this DTC sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P1230 Fuel Pump Relay Control Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON or the engine is running.
    • DTC P1230 runs continuously when the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects an open or short to ground on the control circuit of the fuel pump relay.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
    • The ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
    • The coolant fan turns ON.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL will turn OFF after consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.
    • Disconnect the ECM battery feed for 10 seconds.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions may have caused the fuel pump fuse to open:

    • The fuse is faulty.
    • There is an intermittent short to ground in the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the fuel pump relay.

Listen for a click when the fuel pump relay operates. When the fuel pump relay is commanded On with the scan tool, the ECM pulses the fuel pump relay ON and OFF several times.

For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Fuel Pump Relay Terminal Identification

B+

FP Control

Ignition 1 Voltage

FP Motor

Front of Vehicle

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Listen for a click when the fuel pump relay operates. When the fuel pump relay is commanded On with the scan tool, the ECM pulses the fuel pump relay ON and OFF several times. Repeat the command as necessary.

  1. This step verifies that the ECM is providing a ground to the fuel pump relay.

  2. This step tests the Ignition 1 Voltage circuit of the fuel pump relay.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

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

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the fuel pump relay turn ON and OFF?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the fuel pump relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the control circuit of the fuel pump relay with a test lamp connected to battery voltage.
  5. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp pulse ON and OFF?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit and the Ignition 1 Voltage circuit of the fuel pump relay.
  2. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp pulse ON and OFF?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

6

Test the control circuit of the fuel pump relay for one of the following conditions:

    • An open
    • A short to ground
    • High resistance

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

7

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the fuel pump relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

8

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

9

  1. Repair one of the following conditions in the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the fuel pump relay:
  2. • An open
    • High resistance
    • An intermittent short to ground. Refer to Wiring Repairs .
  3. Replace fuse as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 12

--

10

Replace the fuel pump relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

12

  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.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 13

13

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK