AutoCodes – Ford – P0231 1997 Ford F150

P0231 1997 Ford F150 Code - Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) provides ignition positive voltage to the coil side of the fuel pump relay. Common causes include Blown Fuel Pump fuse, Open Fuel Pump Monitor Circuit, Faulty Fuel Pump Relay. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0231 1997 Ford F150 indicates Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low .
Common causes
Common causes include Blown Fuel Pump fuse, Open Fuel Pump Monitor Circuit, Faulty Fuel Pump Relay.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 3,003
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 13, 2019
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Code P0231 1997 Ford F150 Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) provides ignition positive voltage to the coil side of the fuel pump relay. When the ignition switch is first turned ON, the ECM energizes the fuel pump relay, which applies power to the fuel pump. The ECM enables the fuel pump relay as long as the engine is cranking or running, and crankshaft reference pulses are received. If no crankshaft reference pulses are received, the ECM de-energizes the fuel pump relay after 2 seconds. The ECM monitors the voltage on the fuel pump relay control circuit.
OBDII Code P0231 1997 Ford F150 - Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low  - AutoCodes.com
P0231 1997 Ford F150 Code - Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0231 1997 Ford F150?

  • Blown Fuel Pump fuse
  • Open Fuel Pump Monitor Circuit
  • Faulty Fuel Pump Relay
  • Damaged Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0231 1997 Ford F150?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0231 1997 Ford F150 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0231 1997 Ford F150 code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0231 1997 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0231 on a 1997 Ford F150?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, engine hesitation, stalling, and difficulty starting the vehicle.

2. What does the OBDII code P0231 indicate in a 1997 Ford F150?

- The code P0231 indicates a low voltage condition in the fuel pump secondary circuit.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0231 in a 1997 Ford F150?

- Possible causes include a faulty fuel pump relay, damaged wiring, a defective fuel pump, or a problem with the fuel pump driver module.

4. How can I diagnose the issue causing OBDII code P0231 on my 1997 Ford F150?

- You can use a multimeter to check the voltage at the fuel pump, inspect the wiring for any damage, and test the fuel pump relay for proper functioning.

5. Can I still drive my 1997 Ford F150 with OBDII code P0231?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with code P0231 as it can lead to fuel delivery issues and potential engine damage.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0231 on my 1997 Ford F150?

- Repair options include replacing the fuel pump relay, repairing damaged wiring, replacing the fuel pump, or fixing any issues with the fuel pump driver module.

7. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P0231 on a 1997 Ford F150 without fixing the underlying issue?

- Resetting the code without addressing the root cause will likely result in the code reappearing once the issue persists.

8. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P0231 on a 1997 Ford F150?

- Regularly inspecting and maintaining the fuel pump, relay, and associated wiring can help prevent issues that trigger code P0231.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast with basic automotive knowledge fix OBDII code P0231 on a 1997 Ford F150?

- Depending on the specific cause, a DIY enthusiast may be able to address the issue by following repair guides and using basic tools.

10. Will OBDII code P0231 on a 1997 Ford F150 affect fuel efficiency?

- Yes, the code can impact fuel efficiency due to improper fuel delivery caused by issues in the fuel pump secondary circuit.

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