P0232⛽ Fuel delivery (fuel pump power supply and feedback circuit)Stop and fix promptly

P0232: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0232 means

The fuel pump gets its power through the fuel pump relay, which the powertrain control module (PCM) switches on. OBD-Codes.com explains that some vehicles have a feedback (secondary) circuit: a wire spliced into the fuel pump's voltage feed, usually near the PCM, so the PCM can check the voltage actually going to the pump. If the PCM sees unexpected high voltage on that circuit when it hasn't turned the pump on, P0232 may set. RepairPal describes the code more broadly as the PCM (or, on most newer vehicles, a separate Fuel Pump Control Module) detecting an incorrect signal to or from the fuel pump. The sources disagree on what to expect: OBD-Codes.com describes a pump that may keep running with the key off and blames the relay, shorts to voltage and the relay control circuit, while RepairPal lists decreased performance and a possible no-start, names fuel pump failure first and gives fuel pump replacement as the common repair. P0230 covers the relay's control side, P0231 is the same secondary circuit reading low, and P0233 is the secondary circuit intermittent (RepairPal code list).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed soon. RepairPal rates P0232 Urgent, meaning immediate action is needed. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating, but says the fuel pump may run with the key off, which can drain the battery and keep a pump running that should be off. If you hear the pump humming with the ignition off, or the engine won't start, don't rely on the car until it's checked.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. A bad fuel pump relay, for example one shorted internally (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)
  2. A short to voltage on the fuel pump supply circuit or the feedback circuit (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal lists wiring issues
  3. The PCM's fuel pump relay control wire shorted to ground, which keeps the relay on (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. The PCM's relay control driver shorted to ground internally (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal lists PCM failure
  5. A failed fuel pump (RepairPal)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Find a wiring diagram for your vehicle before testing; relay terminal numbers and wire colors vary by make and model.
  2. Turn the key on with the engine off and wait a few seconds so the PCM finishes its fuel pump pre-cycle. OBD-Codes.com says to then read the fuel pump voltage feedback in a scan tool's live data, or measure the pump voltage at the tank with a voltmeter.
  3. If there is still voltage at the pump (or you can hear it running), pull the fuel pump relay. OBD-Codes.com says if the voltage or pump running continues with the relay out, there is a short to voltage in the supply or feedback wiring.
  4. If the voltage goes away with the relay out, try a known-good spare relay. If the voltage is gone with the new relay, the old relay was shorted.
  5. If voltage is still present with a good relay, OBD-Codes.com describes removing the relay and checking for continuity between ground and the PCM's relay control wire with the key on after the pre-cycle. Continuity means a shorted wire or, if the wire itself tests clean, a PCM driver shorted internally.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The fuel pump keeps running with the key off and you can't stop it by pulling the relay
  • The engine won't start
  • You don't have a wiring diagram or aren't comfortable testing circuits
  • Testing points to the PCM's relay driver or a short you can't find
  • You smell fuel or see a fuel leak; stop and don't keep cranking the engine

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Why is my fuel pump running with the key off?

OBD-Codes.com says that can happen with P0232. It usually means the fuel pump relay is stuck or shorted, the supply wiring is shorted to voltage, or the PCM's relay control wire is shorted to ground. Pulling the relay is the first test.

Does P0232 mean my fuel pump is bad?

Not necessarily. RepairPal lists fuel pump failure first and pump replacement as the common repair, but OBD-Codes.com's diagnosis focuses on the relay, wiring shorts and the PCM's relay control circuit. Test before buying a pump.

Why does P0232 show up on 6.0 and 7.3 Power Stroke trucks?

People do search for P0232 on Ford Power Stroke diesels and other Ford and Chevy trucks. Neither source gives a diesel-specific cause, so follow the same relay and wiring checks with a diagram for your truck.

What is the difference between P0231 and P0232?

Both are the fuel pump secondary circuit. Per RepairPal's code list, P0231 is the circuit reading low and P0232 is it reading high; OBD-Codes.com describes P0232 as unexpected high voltage when the pump isn't switched on.

How much does it cost to fix P0232?

Neither source gives a repair cost. A relay or wire repair is usually far cheaper than a fuel pump or computer, so get a diagnosis or written estimate before buying parts.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0232 Fuel Pump Secondary (Feedback) Circuit High Voltage (Dale Toalston, ASE)
  2. RepairPal: P0232 Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.