Fuel and injectionGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code P0230: fuel pump circuit: fault
What code P0230 means
The ECU activates a relay that powers the fuel pump and monitors that relay's control circuit. If the voltage it measures is not the expected one (short to ground, short to positive or open circuit), it stores P0230.[1]
CarWiki also describes it as a pump relay fault and points out that, in most cases, only the relay is defective.[2]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction[1][2]
Causes of P0230
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on.[1][2]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- The engine will not start, or starts for a moment and cuts out.[1][2]Hard to start: faults that cause it
- The engine cuts out while driving.[2]Engine stalls: faults that cause it
- Jerking and poor response when accelerating.[2]Jerking: faults that cause it
How to diagnose P0230
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Check the pump fuse and that, when you switch the ignition on, you can hear the pump run for a few seconds.[1][2]
- 2Use the diagnostic tool to command the pump on and off, or cycle the ignition, to see whether it switches on and off.[1]
- 3Check the relay: discolouration from heat, loose terminals, and how it works with a test lamp.[1][2]
- 4Inspect the control circuit's wiring and connectors for cuts or chafing.[1][2]
- 5Test the pump and, only at the end, the ECU.[1][2]
Can I keep driving with P0230?
Garage soon
If the pump stops receiving power the car may not start or may stall while driving. CarWiki recommends having a garage check it.[1][2]
Parts related to code P0230
The parts that most often cause this code. The code points to the circuit, not always the part: diagnose before you buy.
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. More information
Documented faults related to P0230
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Fuel pump and high-pressure pump: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: Common2.0 and 2.5 HybridLow-pressure fuel pump failure: loss of power and fire riskYes: a low-pressure fuel pump with a defective impeller (Denso) affects millions of Toyotas and Lexuses, including Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry models with these engines. It can cause loss of power or stalling, and in the EU there is also a risk of leaks and fire on 2018-2022 Corolla, C-HR and Auris models.
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW N54/N55High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failureThe N54's high-pressure pump is one of its best-documented failures: most units will have had it replaced at some point. It warns of itself with long cranking and loss of power; the 2010 campaign was US-only.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.2/2.5 dCiInjection pump or injector failureThe 2.2 dCi's common rail injectors fail fairly often on the X-Trail and Almera, with cases of seizing and leaks; on the Almera with the older YD22DDT, the documented fault is in the injection pump electronics, not the injectors.
- High severityFrequency: CommonVW 2.0 TFSI EA113Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerYes: the 2.0 TFSI EA113's high-pressure fuel pump is driven by the camshaft through a follower (tappet) that wears; if it wears through it can damage the pump or the camshaft, so it should be checked and replaced as a preventive measure.Repair (garage): €250–€900Appears at around 90,000 km
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0230?
It is risky: according to CarWiki, the engine may cut out while driving or fail to start again. Take the car to a garage as soon as possible.[2]
Is the fuel pump itself broken?
Not necessarily. CarWiki says that in most cases only the relay is faulty, and OBD-Codes.com also cites the wiring and the ECU.[1][2]
How is it diagnosed?
By checking the fuse, relay and control wiring, and confirming that the pump switches on and off, before replacing the pump.[1][2]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0230?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[3]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- P0230 Fuel Pump Primary (Control) Circuit Malfunction (copia en Internet Archive)OBD-Codes.com · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- OBD Fehlercode P0230CarWiki · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish