P0231 on Chevrolet
Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit - Low
P0231 on Chevrolet vehicles indicates fuel pump secondary circuit - low. Au7o has documented this code across 5 Chevrolet models — most commonly on C/K 1500, C/K 2500, Equinox. This code indicates the engine computer detected a low-voltage condition in the fuel pump's secondary (driver/output) control circuit. Many vehicles control the fuel pump through a relay or a dedicated driver module, and the computer monitors the voltage on that circuit to confirm the pump is being powered correctly. When the feedback voltage stays lower than expected, P0231 sets. Because the fuel pump supplies pressurized fuel to the injectors, this fault can cause hard starting, stalling, or no-start conditions. Typical repair costs on Chevrolet range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0231
- •Faulty fuel pump relay
- •Corroded or loose connector at the pump or relay
- •Damaged or shorted wiring in the pump power circuit
- •Poor ground for the fuel pump circuit
- •Failing fuel pump drawing abnormal current
- •Faulty fuel pump driver module
- •PCM/ECM internal driver fault (rare)
P0231 on Chevrolet by Model
Chevrolet C/K 1500(1 issue)
- In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure1990-1998
The in-tank electric fuel pump fails frequently on C/K trucks, especially in hot weather. Low fuel levels accelerate pump failure as the fuel cools and lubricates the pump. The pump module sender unit also fails, causing inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
Chevrolet C/K 2500(1 issue)
- In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure1990-2000
Same fuel pump failure issue as the C/K 1500. The dual-tank equipped models have an additional failure point with the tank selector valve which can cause fuel starvation.
Chevrolet Equinox(1 issue)
- Fuel Pump Module Failure Causing Engine Stall2021-2022
The fuel pump module fails to consistently provide adequate fuel flow to the engine, causing potential stalling while driving. This creates a significant safety hazard as the engine can stall unexpectedly in traffic. GM issued recall N222372310 affecting 23,164 vehicles.
Chevrolet S-10(1 issue)
- In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure1994-2004
The 1994-2004 S-10 in-tank fuel pump is prone to premature failure. Running the tank below 1/4 accelerates pump death because fuel cools and lubricates the pump. The integrated fuel level sender also fails, causing erratic gauge readings. Hot restart problems are a classic early warning sign as heat exacerbates pump weakness.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500(1 issue)
- Fuel Pump Module Failure2019-2022
The fuel pump module can fail, causing hard starting, stalling, or no-start conditions. GM issued a recall for certain vehicles due to fuel pump issues. The fuel tank assembly design may contribute to pump failures.
Looking for P0231 on a different make?
View P0231 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0231 mean on Chevrolet?▼
P0231 stands for "Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit - Low." This code indicates the engine computer detected a low-voltage condition in the fuel pump's secondary (driver/output) control circuit. Many vehicles control the fuel pump through a relay or a dedicated driver module, and the computer monitors the voltage on that circuit to confirm the pump is being powered correctly. When the feedback voltage stays lower than expected, P0231 sets. Because the fuel pump supplies pressurized fuel to the injectors, this fault can cause hard starting, stalling, or no-start conditions. On Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 5 models.
What causes P0231 on Chevrolet vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chevrolet: Faulty fuel pump relay, Corroded or loose connector at the pump or relay, Damaged or shorted wiring in the pump power circuit, Poor ground for the fuel pump circuit, Failing fuel pump drawing abnormal current. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0231 on a Chevrolet?▼
Repair costs on Chevrolet range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chevrolet models have P0231 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0231 on 5 Chevrolet models: C/K 1500, C/K 2500, Equinox, S-10, Silverado 1500.