P0233 Code: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent
🟠 Moderate severity · drivable
Drivable, but the fuel pump power cuts in and out, which can cause stalling — fix it soon.
What P0233 means
The fuel pump's secondary circuit is losing and regaining power. The pump may stop briefly while driving, which can make the engine hesitate or stall before the circuit comes back.
Symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Intermittent stalling or hesitation
- Hard starting at times
- Loss of power that comes and goes
Common causes
- most common: Loose or corroded wiring connector in the pump circuit
- common: Damaged wiring that opens intermittently
- common: Failing fuel pump relay
- less common: Failing fuel pump
How to fix it
| Fix | DIY? | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clean and re-seat the pump circuit connector | Yes | $0–50 |
| Replace the fuel pump relay | Yes | $20–60 |
| Repair damaged wiring | Mechanic | $50–150 |
| Replace a failing fuel pump | Mechanic | $300–800 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0233 code?
Yes, but fuel pump power cuts in and out, so the engine could stall at any time. Fix it soon.
What causes an intermittent P0233 code?
Usually a loose or corroded connector, damaged wiring, or a relay that's starting to fail.
How much does it cost to fix a P0233?
Often $0–50 if cleaning a connector works, $20–60 for a relay, or up to $800 for a new pump.
Related codes
P0230
P0230 Code: Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction
P0231P0231 Code: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low
P0232P0232 Code: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High
Updated 2026-08. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis.