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 Descriptor

DTC P0230: Fuel Pump Relay Control Circuit

Circuit/System 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 about 3 seconds.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The ignition voltage is between 10-16 volts.
    • The DTC runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects the fuel pump relay control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or is shorted to voltage for greater than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0230 is a Type A DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0230 is a Type A DTC.

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

  1. Ignition ON, command the fuel pump relay ON with a scan tool. You should hear and feel an audible click for about 3-5 seconds.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the fuel pump relay.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition 1 voltage circuit terminal 86 and ground.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition 1 voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the ignition 1 voltage circuit fuse is open, test all components connected to the ignition 1 voltage circuit and replace as necessary.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 85 and the ignition 1 voltage circuit terminal 86.
  5. Command the fuel pump relay ON with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF for about 3-5 seconds.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the fuel pump relay.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the fuel pump relay.
  2. Test for 70-110 ohms of resistance between terminals 85 and 86.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the relay.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:
  5. • 30 and 86
    • 30 and 87
    • 30 and 85
    • 85 and 87
    If not the specified value, replace the relay.
  6. Install a 20A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between terminals 30 and 87.
  7. If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming