P0230

P0230 is the fuel pump primary circuit fault, meaning the ECM detected an electrical problem in the control circuit between itself and the fuel pump relay or driver module. Cheapest first: with the key on, listen for the fuel pump to prime for 2 to 3 seconds; silence is a strong indicator. Check the fuel pump fuse and relay (still found on most pre-2010 vehicles), and swap the relay with an identical one in the box to test. Measure fuel pump current draw with an inductive amp clamp on the pump's positive wire: a healthy in-tank pump pulls 4 to 7 amps continuously, a dying pump pulls 9 to 12 amps, and an open circuit pulls zero. Back-probe the pump connector and verify battery voltage on the supply pin and good ground on the return pin during the prime cycle. On later vehicles with a fuel pump driver module (FPDM) or fuel pump control module (FPCM), scope the pulse-width-modulated control signal from the ECM to the module; a flat-line means the driver module or its wiring is the issue. Caveat: a fuel pump that runs but pulls excessive current can set P0230 by tripping the ECM's overcurrent protection, even though the pump appears to work.

Vehicle-specific patterns: Ford F-150 and Expedition 5.4L (2004-2010) is the poster child for FPDM failure causing P0230, with the module mounted above the rear axle where road spray rots it. GM full-size trucks 4.8/5.3/6.0L (1999-2007 Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe) sees P0230 from a corroded fuel pump driver module or chafed wiring at the frame rail. Dodge Ram 1500 (2002-2008) sets P0230 from a failed totally-integrated power module (TIPM) fuel pump relay, addressed in Chrysler TSB 08-067-13 with a TIPM replacement program. Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 (2011-2019) sees P0230 from TIPM internal relay failure. Estimated repair: $40 to $1,200.