P0231

DTC P0231

Circuit Description

An ignition voltage circuit and a ground circuit are supplied to the fuel pump control module. When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the fuel pump control module turns ON the fuel pump to full power within 24 ms. This facilitates rapid fuel prime for 500 ms. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the fuel pump control module on the fuel pump relay control circuit. The fuel pump control module varies the voltage to the fuel pump based on the signal from the ECM. If the fuel pump control module receives no fuel pump control signal from the ECM within 500 ms, the fuel pump control module will turn OFF output to the fuel pump.

At idle speed, the fuel pump control module sets the voltage potential to the fuel pump to 9.5 volts. This reduces fuel pump noise and vehicle system power requirements. When higher fuel volume is required, such as engine operation above idle, the fuel pump control module increases the voltage potential to the fuel pump to battery voltage.

The fuel pump control module also supplies the fuel pump speed output circuit and the fuel pump motor low reference circuit, which allows for enhanced fuel pump diagnostics. Therefore, the fuel pump control module is capable of diagnosing itself, the fuel pump relay control circuit, and the fuel pump performance. The diagnostic information is communicated from the fuel pump control module to the ECM through the fuel pump speed control feedback signal circuit.

If the fuel pump control module detects an open or a high resistance between the fuel pump control module and the fuel pump, DTC P0231 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0231 Fuel Pump Speed Output Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

^ The fuel pump is controlled by the fuel pump control module.
^ The ignition voltage is between 6-18 volts.
^ The ignition ON time is more than 2 seconds.
^ DTC P0231 runs continuously once the above conditions have been met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

^ The fuel pump control module detects an open or a high resistance between the fuel pump control module and the fuel pump.
^ The above condition is present for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

^ The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
^ The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
^ The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
^ The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

^ A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
^ A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
^ Clear the DTC with a scan tool.