GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0230: Fuel Pump Relay Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Battery Voltage - Relay Switch Side

¹

²

--

--

Fuel Pump Supply Voltage

¹

²

³

--

Fuel Pump Relay Control

P0230

P0230

P0230

--

Fuel Pump Relay Ground

P0230

P0230

P0230

--

Fuel Pump Ground

--

²

--

--

¹Open fuel pump fuse, cranks no start

²Cranks no start

³Fuel pump operates continuously, then discharged battery

Circuit/System Description

The control module enables the fuel pump relay when the ignition switch is turned ON. The control module will disable the fuel pump relay within 2 seconds unless the control module detects ignition reference pulses. The control module continues to enable the fuel pump relay as long as ignition reference pulses are detected. The control module disables the fuel pump relay within 2 seconds if ignition reference pulses cease to be detected and the ignition remains ON.

The control module monitors the voltage on the fuel pump relay control circuit. If the control module detects an incorrect voltage on the fuel pump relay control circuit, a fuel pump relay control DTC sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The system voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • DTC P0230 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The control module detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match.
    • The above condition is met for a minimum of 2.5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • 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 emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views
    •  Electrical Center Identification Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Special Tools Required

J 43244 Relay Puller Pliers

Circuit/System Verification

With the ignition ON, engine OFF, command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF several times using the scan tool output control function. You should either hear or feel the relay click with each command.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. With the ignition OFF, remove the fuel pump relay from the underhood electrical center.
  2. With the ignition ON, engine OFF, probe the control circuit of the fuel pump relay with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground. Command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF with each command.
  3. If the test lamp does not turn ON and OFF, test for an open, high resistance, or a short to ground in the fuel pump relay control circuit, an intermittent or a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If the test lamp remains illuminated with each command, test for a short to voltage in the control circuit of the fuel pump relay, an intermittent or a poor connection at the ECM. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the fuel pump relay and the ground circuit of the fuel pump relay. Command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF with a scan tool.
  5. If the test lamp does not turn ON and OFF, repair the open or the high resistance in the ground circuit of the fuel pump relay.
    If the test lamp does turn ON and OFF, test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the fuel pump relay, or a faulty fuel pump relay.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming
    •  Relay Replacement