P0233⛽ Fuel delivery (fuel pump power supply and feedback circuit)Stop and fix promptly

P0233: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

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

What P0233 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. When the PCM turns the relay on, it expects battery voltage on that circuit. If it sees an unexpected intermittent problem with the signal when the pump isn't switched on, P0233 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: OBD-Codes.com's symptoms, causes and tests for P0233 are the same as for P0232 (pump running with the key off, relay, shorts to voltage, 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. Because the fault comes and goes, it may not show up while you test, so wiggling harnesses and connectors while watching voltage can help. That last tip is general practice, not from either source. P0230 covers the relay's control side, P0231 is the secondary circuit reading low and P0232 is it reading high.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed soon. RepairPal rates P0233 Urgent, meaning immediate action is needed, and lists decreased performance and a possible no-start. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating, but says the fuel pump may keep running with the key off, which can drain the battery. An intermittent fuel pump fault can also leave you stranded without warning, so don't count on the car for long trips 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 (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 circuit shorted to ground (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.
  6. Since the fault is intermittent, check connectors at the relay, PCM and fuel tank for corrosion or loose pins, and recheck after the car has been driven and warmed up.

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 or stalls while driving
  • You don't have a wiring diagram or aren't comfortable testing circuits
  • The fault is intermittent and you can't make it happen while testing
  • 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

What does intermittent mean in P0233?

The PCM saw the fuel pump feedback signal go wrong some of the time rather than stay low or high. Loose connectors, chafed wiring or a relay that sticks now and then can cause that, so the fault may not show up every time you test.

Does P0233 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.

What is the difference between P0231, P0232 and P0233?

All three are the fuel pump secondary (feedback) circuit. P0231 is the circuit reading low, P0232 is it reading high and P0233 is an intermittent fault on it, per both OBD-Codes.com and RepairPal.

Why do people search P0233 on Ford, Nissan, VW and Peugeot cars?

P0233 is a generic code, so it can show up on many makes. Neither source gives a make-specific cause, so follow the same relay and wiring checks with a diagram for your vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix P0233?

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: P0233 Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent (Dale Toalston, ASE)
  2. RepairPal: P0233 Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent (rated Urgent)

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