P0233 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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The P0233 fault code can be described as fuel pump secondary circuit intermittent. The fuel pump would enable the transfer of the fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors in the engine. The engine computer or the fuel pump control module would control the fuel pump. Now when the ignition would be turned on, the powertrain control module or the fuel pump control module would activate the fuel pump. If an incorrect signal is detected by the powertrain control module to or from the fuel pump, then the P0233 fault code would start appearing.

The P0233 is a generic OBD-II code which can be triggered when the engine control module would detect that the secondary circuit to the fuel pump has an intermittent voltage when the fuel pump relay is turned on.

What causes this problem with the Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent?

• The fuel pump relay can turn out to be bad
• Harness chafing can cause open in fuel pump supply circuit
• Connectors can be loose or damaged
• The feedback circuit can turn out to be open
• Fuel pump fuse can blow out due to short to ground

1. Fuel Pump Relay - Did your mechanic just found out that there is some fault in the Fuel Pump Relay? Buy top notch Fuel Pump Relay from us at economical prices.
2. Fuel Pump - A damaged Fuel Pump can cause a lot of issues. It would be nice if you get it replaced on time.
3. Engine Wiring Connectors - Everything is fine with the Engine Wiring Connectors and still OBD code P0233 flashing? Then there is definitely some fault with the Connector. Get it checked and replace if needed.
4. Powertrain Control Module - Powertrain Control Module is an important car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due to which P0233 code may start flashing.

We at Parts Avatar Canada care for our customers, and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P0233 code by listing out some major symptoms. They are mentioned below as follows:

Common Symptoms

• No start and stall
• Problem of misfire
• There can be inadequate fuel supply

It is very important to fix the fault code P0233. So here are some ways with which you can correct this issue:

• If you want to diagnose fuel pump circuits there's no replacement for a good wiring diagram. You can always try to locate one before attempting a complex repair. If the vehicle will start and run and no driveability complaints are present, then you must suspect an open in the feedback circuit between the powertrain control module and where it splices into the fuel pump supply voltage circuit. You can always repair it if needed.
• If the vehicle doesn't start or starts and dies due to low fuel pressure, then you should check the fuel pump fuse. If you find out that it is blown, then check for a short to ground on the fuel pump voltage supply circuit. Do this by removing the fuel pump relay and then check the resistance between the voltage supply circuit at the fuel pump connector and ground. If you have little resistance indicating a short to ground, the fuel pump should be unplugged and check it once again. If it shows high or infinite resistance after unplugging the fuel pump, replace the shorted fuel pump.
• Now if the resistance is still low even after unplugging the fuel pump then repair short in the FP voltage supply circuit and if the resistance check is showing that the fuel pump supply circuit is okay then re-check between the FP fuse and the FP relay.
• There has to be a short somewhere. Carefully check for wiring harness chafing in certain areas. Repair as necessary. If the fuel pump fuse isn't blown and the vehicle won't start or starts and stalls due to low fuel pressure then remove the fuse and check that voltage is present to the fuse.
• After that you should check that voltage is travelling from the fuse to the FP relay by re-installing the FP fuse and checking for battery voltage at the FP relay. If the FP fuse or the FP relay doesn't have voltage supplied to it, the fuel pump will not be able to operate. Find the open in the circuit and repair as necessary.
• If both the FP fuse and the FP relay have sufficient voltage, remove the FP relay and install a fused jumper wire to complete the FP voltage supply circuit. Usually this is done by jumping terminals 30 & 87 in most relays-check a wiring diagram to be sure. If the fuel pump runs, replace the faulty FP relay and recheck. If the fuel pump doesn't run check for voltage present with jumper connected or by cycling the ignition key with FP relay installed at the fuel pump connector at the fuel tank. If voltage is present verify that the ground circuit is intact.
• If both are okay, then you should replace the fuel pump. If voltage isn't present at the fuel pump with fused jumper wire installed, then the open in fuel pump voltage supply circuit should be repaired properly.

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Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

The feedback circuit is the fuel pump secondary circuit that would provide input data about the primary fuel pump circuit to the powertrain control module. A successful diagnosis of this code must include checking all related fuses and relays to ensure that the proper amount of voltage is present (typically this is a 5-volt reference signal). If you want to successfully diagnose this code, then you would require a scanner or code reader, a digital volt ohmmeter, and access to a manufacturer’s wiring schematic

Start your diagnosis with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors. The damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components should be repaired or replaced. Make sure that you retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components as well as fuses appear to be in normal working order, then you should connect the scanner to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes as well as freeze frame data

This information can prove to be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored. Now once the codes have been cleared, you should operate the vehicle to see if the code returns. Now if the code fails to return immediately, then you may have an intermittent condition. Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made. Test voltage at the fuel pump connector to determine if there is sufficient power and ground when the ignition key is in the start position

If the required voltage is present at the fuel pump, then you should suspect a shorted or faulty pump and repair as necessary. If there is no voltage at the pump or the voltage is reduced, then the problem is likely in the electrical wiring or connectors

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0233 Code

• Make sure that you verify that the battery voltage is not low and connections are good, causing intermittent voltage drops in the electrical system
• All the electrical connections at the fuel pump relay and at the IFS should be properly checked for any loose connections on the secondary side