P0231
High SeverityFuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low
Fuel System
P0231 — Instant Answer
Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low
Severity: HIGH SEVERITY
Meaning: The fuel pump feedback circuit is reading low. The ECM is not seeing proper fuel pump operation.
Safe to drive? NO if CEL is flashing. YES with caution if solid, but repair this week.
Estimated repair cost: $100 - $300
Most common causes:
- 1. Failing fuel pump (35-45% of cases)
- 2. Corroded fuel pump connector (10-25% of cases)
- 3. Damaged wiring (10-25% of cases)
- 4. Clogged fuel filter (10-25% of cases)
Symptoms
- ⚠️Engine stalls at speed
- ⚠️Hard starting
- ⚠️Loss of power under load
- ⚠️Engine dies when hot
Common Causes
How to Diagnose P0231
- 1Test fuel pressure at rail
- 2Check fuel pump connector for corrosion
- 3Check for voltage drop in fuel pump circuit
- 4Replace fuel pump if pressure low
OEM Procedures for P0231
Engine Controls And Fuel - 1.5L - Diagnostic Information And Procedures (1 Of 2) Found 188 OEM service manual procedures.
Component Fuel Pumps - Fuel Pump Diaphragm Installation
Component Fuel Pumps - Fuel Pump Diaphragm Installation
Component Fuel Pumps - Fuel Pump Diaphragm Installation
Component Fuel Pumps - Fuel Pump Diaphragm Installation
Component Fuel Pumps - Fuel Pump Diaphragm Installation
Component Fuel Pumps - Fuel Pump Diaphragm Installation
Component Fuel Pumps - Fuel Pump Diaphragm Installation
Component Fuel Pumps - Fuel Pump Diaphragm Installation
Showing 8 of 188 procedures
OEM Diagnostic Flowchart
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Parts & Tools for This Job
Common parts shoppers buy for P0231 Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low.
Oxygen Sensor
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Spark Plugs
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Ignition Coils
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Mass Air Flow Sensor
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Fuel Injectors
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Engine Oil
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OBD2 scanner
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Check SpecificationsBattery tester
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A weak battery can mimic alternator or starter problems.
Check SpecificationsMultimeter kit
Confirm voltage, continuity, and sensor power with one simple kit.
A meter is the cheapest way to rule out a bad circuit fast.
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Related Resources
Repair guides, symptom pages, and wiring diagrams related to P0231.
OEM Manual Evidence
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Exact Vehicle Hubs
Browse →Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with P0231.
Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with P0231.
Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with P0231.
Open the exact vehicle hub for wiring diagnosis commonly associated with P0231.
Open the exact vehicle hub for wiring diagnosis commonly associated with P0231.
Open the exact vehicle hub for wiring diagnosis commonly associated with P0231.
Exact Repair Workflows
Browse →Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0231 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0231 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0231 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0231 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0231 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0231 on this vehicle.
Wiring Diagram Paths
Browse →Open the exact fuel pump diagram cluster for a vehicle that commonly triggers P0231.
Open the exact fuel pump diagram cluster for a vehicle that commonly triggers P0231.
Open the exact fuel pump diagram cluster for a vehicle that commonly triggers P0231.
Open the exact fuel pump diagram cluster for a vehicle that commonly triggers P0231.
Open the exact fuel pump diagram cluster for a vehicle that commonly triggers P0231.
Open the exact fuel pump diagram cluster for a vehicle that commonly triggers P0231.
Related Codes
The fuel pump relay or primary circuit has a fault. The fuel pump may not be getting power.
Fuel pump circuit voltage is higher than expected.
Fuel rail pressure sensor reads too low. Could be a sensor fault or actually low fuel pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a fuel pump die intermittently?
- Yes — fuel pumps often fail when hot. The car starts fine cold but stalls after warm-up. This is a common failure pattern.
- How long do fuel pumps last?
- Most fuel pumps last 100,000-150,000 miles. Running the tank below 1/4 regularly shortens pump life.
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Author & Review
Published by AllOEMManuals, founded by Lyndon Bedford, an automotive technician with 20 years of experience. He owned and operated a mechanic shop in Hurst, Texas from 2014 to 2022 and continues hands-on repair work.
Content may combine manual references, general repair templates, and AI-assisted drafting. Confirm the source, vehicle configuration, and applicability before working. Report corrections through our contact page.
Last updated: 2026-10-29