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

P0231

P0231 Code: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low

P0232

P0232 Code: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High

Updated 2026-08. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis.