Alfa Romeo P0230 Fuel Pump Primary Circuit

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0230 Alfa Romeo

Fuel Pump Primary Circuit

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0230 Alfa Romeo definition:
The fuel pump is activated by a PCM-controlled relay. Just as the name implies, a “relay” permits the transmittal of higher amperage current to the fuel pump without that current having to travel through the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). For obvious reasons it’s better to not have higher amperage current anywhere near the PCM. Higher amperage current creates more heat but also in the event of a failure, can cause a PCM failure. This principal applies to any relay. The higher amperages are kept under the hood, away from sensitive areas The relay contains basically two sides. The “control” side which is basically a coil and the “switch” side which is a set of electrical contacts. The control side (or coil side) is the low amp side. It’s fed a switched ignition feed (12 volts with key on)and a ground. The ground circuit is activated by the PCM driver when appropriate. When the PCM fuel pump driver activates the relay coil, the coil acts as an electromagnet that pulls the electrical contacts closed which completes the fuel pump circuit. This closed switch allows voltage to flow on the fuel pump activation circuit, activating the pump. Whenever the key is turned on, the PCM grounds the fuel pump circuit for a few seconds, activating the fuel pump and pressurizing the system. The fuel pump won’t be activated again until the PCM sees an RPM signal. The driver in the PCM is monitored for faults. When activated the driver or ground circuit voltage should be low. When deactivated the driver/ground potential voltage should be high or near battery voltage. If the PCM sees a voltage other than what is expected, P0230 Alfa Romeo may be set.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0230 Alfa Romeo
Symptoms of a P0230 Alfa Romeo DTC may include: MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) illumination No start condition No fuel pump operation Fuel pump runs all the time with ignition on

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0230 Alfa Romeo
Potential causes of a P0230 Alfa Romeo code include: Short to ground on control circuit Fuel pump control circuit open Short to battery voltage on control circuit Harness chafing causing one of above conditions Bad relay Bad PCM

Possible Solutions

Command the fuel pump on and off by using a scan tool or simply turning the ignition key on and off without starting the engine. If the fuel pump activates and deactivates, then start the vehicle and measure the current on the control (ground) circuit for a couple of minutes. It should be less than an amp and stay less than an amp. If it doesn’t then replacing the relay is a good idea at this point. If the fuel pump won’t activate and deactivate, then remove the relay and visually check for discoloration due to heat or loose terminals. If okay, install a test light between the control circuit ignition feed and ground driver terminals (If you’re not sure, don’t attempt). The test light should illuminate when the key is on or the fuel pump is commanded on. If it doesn’t, then make sure there is voltage on one side of the coil (switched ignition feed). If voltage is present repair the open or short on the control ground circuit.

The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Alfa Romeo:

2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo new,,2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta new,,2014 Alfa Romeo 4C,,2013 Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept,,2013 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Touring,,2012 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Touring Concept,,2011 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale,,2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta,,2011 Alfa Romeo 4C Concept,,2010 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa,,2010 Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept,,2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde,,2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 MultiAir,,2010 Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept,,2010 Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi,,2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo UK Version,,2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept,,2009 Alfa Romeo Mi.To,,2009 Alfa Romeo Brera S,,2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Spider,,2009 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon,,2009 Alfa Romeo 159,,2007 Alfa Romeo GT Q2,,2007 Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione,,2007 Alfa Romeo 147 Q2,,2007 Alfa Romeo 147 Murphy and Nye,,2007 Alfa Romeo 147 CnC,,2006 Alfa Romeo Spider UK Version,,2006 Alfa Romeo Spider,,2006 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon,,2005 Alfa Romeo Brera UK Version,,2005 Alfa Romeo Brera,,2005 Alfa Romeo 159,,2004 Alfa Romeo Visconti Concept ItalDesign,,2004 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione,,2004 Alfa Romeo 166,,2004 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Autodelta,,2004 Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon Q4,,2004 Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon,,2004 Alfa Romeo 147 5door,,2004 Alfa Romeo 147 3door,,2003 Alfa Romeo Spider,,2003 Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept,,2003 Alfa Romeo GTV,,2003 Alfa Romeo GT,,2003 Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon 2.0 JTD,,2003 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Autodelta,,2003 Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD,,2003 Alfa Romeo 147 TI,,2002 Alfa Romeo 147 JTD 16V,,2002 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

Note:

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