P0230: Fuel pump primary circuit malfunction
Stop driving. Get it towed or fixed first.
Can I drive with P0230?
No, stop driving safely as soon as possible. Fuel pump primary circuit malfunction; the engine may stall unexpectedly or refuse to restart.
What does P0230 mean?
P0230 stands for Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction.
Symptoms you may notice
- Engine sputters or cuts out under heavy acceleration
- Long cranking time before engine starts
- Loss of engine power when driving up hills or highway speeds
How much does it cost to fix?
Repair costs for code P0230 depend on the specific underlying root cause, ranging from simple DIY checks to component replacement. The table below lists the most common causes and rough price ranges in USD:
- Failed fuel pump relay
- Blown fuel pump fuse
- Corroded relay socket in fuse box
- Wiring fault between PCM and relay
What to do next
- Pull over safely if the engine sputters or hesitates, as the engine may stall in traffic.
- Inspect the fuel pump relay in the fuse box and test for loose connections.
- Have the fuel pump circuit and wiring inspected.
Last updated: October 2026
Related codes
General guidance only, not a professional diagnosis. If the check-engine light is flashing, or the car is running rough, overheating or losing power, stop driving and get help.
About this code
Code P0230 relates to the control circuit that powers the fuel pump relay. Swapping a $20 relay in the engine fuse box fixes this code 80% of the time.