AutoCodes – Ford – P0231 2001 Ford F150

P0231 2001 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 2001 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.

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Code Popularity 3,619

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 13, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0231 2001 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 2001 Ford F150 - Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — P0231 2001 Ford F150 Code - Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0231 2001 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 2001 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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

For some FORD models:
1. Disconnect the inertia switch harness connector
2. Turn key to ON position (Engine OFF)
3. Measure voltage of circuit between inertia switch harness connector and ground
4. If battery voltage is found, replaced Inertia Switch
5. Clear codes

For natural gas applications, the following description applies to the fuel shutoff valve monitor (FSVM) and the fuel shutoff valve power (FSV PWR) circuits.
The PCM monitors the fuel pump monitor (FPM) circuit. The test fails if the PCM commands the fuel pump ON and B+ voltage is not detected on the FPM circuit.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0231 2001 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.

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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 2001 Ford F150 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0231 mean on a 2001 Ford F150?

P0231 indicates a "Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low," meaning thereâ€™s a voltage issue in the circuit supplying power to the fuel pump relay.

2. What are the symptoms of code P0231 on a 2001 Ford F150?

Common symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, stalling, poor engine performance, or the engine failing to start at all.

3. What causes the P0231 code to appear on a 2001 Ford F150?

Causes may include a faulty fuel pump relay, damaged wiring or connectors in the fuel pump circuit, a failing fuel pump, or a blown fuse.

4. How do you diagnose a P0231 code on a 2001 Ford F150?

Check the fuel pump relay, inspect all wiring and connectors in the fuel pump circuit for damage, test the voltage and ground connections, and verify the condition of the fuel pump.

5. Can a bad fuel pump cause a P0231 code on a 2001 Ford F150?

Yes, a failing or malfunctioning fuel pump can trigger this code if itâ€™s causing low voltage in the circuit.

6. Is it safe to drive with a P0231 code on a 2001 Ford F150?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it may lead to engine stalling or failure to start, potentially leaving you stranded.

7. How do you fix a P0231 code on a 2001 Ford F150?

Repairs may involve replacing the fuel pump relay, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing the fuel pump, or replacing a blown fuse.

8. Can a blown fuse trigger the P0231 code on a 2001 Ford F150?

Yes, a blown fuse in the fuel pump circuit can lead to low voltage and cause this code to appear.

9. How much does it cost to repair a P0231 code on a 2001 Ford F150?

Costs vary depending on the issue. Replacing a fuel pump relay or fuse may cost under $50, while replacing the fuel pump may range from $300 to $800, including labor.

10. Can a faulty PCM cause a P0231 code on a 2001 Ford F150?

While rare, a malfunctioning Powertrain Control Module (PCM) could cause this code if it fails to properly control the fuel pump relay.