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P0231 and P069E Fault Diagnosis for 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L — Fuel Pump or Control Module Issue?

Model: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Fault Code: P0231 Posted: 2016-05-31 06:55

I own a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado with a 5.3L V8 engine that suddenly stopped starting one evening. It had been running perfectly without any issues prior to this event. When I attempted to start it, the engine turned over repeatedly but produced no sound of fuel flow — it sounded like there was no fuel. Using an OBDII scanner, I retrieved two diagnostic trouble codes: P0231 (Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low) and P069E (Fuel Pump Control Module Requested MIL Illumination). The scanner details indicate a low secondary circuit voltage in the fuel pump system and that the Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) has requested the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to illuminate. I checked the fuse and relay locations under the hood, but there are no labeled 'fuel pump' fuses or relays present — which is unusual according to the owner's manual. I have not heard any fuel priming sound when turning the key on, suggesting either a failed fuel pump or an issue with its control module. While I understand that fuel pumps can fail unexpectedly without warning — especially with a full tank (which makes it more difficult to diagnose) — I'm concerned about replacing a $700+ fuel pump unnecessarily. I believe the FPCM is located under the spare tire mount, but I haven't yet accessed it for inspection. Can this module be tested? If so, what steps should I take? Is there a wiring or power test that can confirm whether the issue lies with the pump itself or just its control system? Any guidance on how to safely troubleshoot this without removing the fuel tank would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes

P0231

Comments (3)

Anonymous 2016-05-31 07:16

A no-start condition with two specific codes — is there anything else in the vehicle's history? I always ask if it's a stock setup, excluding modifications like remote starters or performance chips. Yes, fuel pumps can fail suddenly without warning — and they often do so when the tank is full to make troubleshooting more challenging. Before replacing the fuel pump, I recommend checking wiring connections first. The owner’s manual didn’t help locate the fuse or relay — did you find them? If not, check under the hood: fuses 20 and 21 (both 25A) and a relay are typically located there. Confirm their status before assuming failure of the pump or control module.

Anonymous 2016-05-31 20:16

The truck is stock, except for an old command start system that stopped working years ago. I used it only occasionally — mainly to charge the battery via a few starts over several months. After that, I removed the key fob and never used it again. I tried starting it once after returning from a drive, but heard loud banging and knocking noises — immediately shut it off. Since then, every attempt results in continuous turning over without any fuel sound. I am certain there is fuel present in the tank. I’ve tested for power at the fuel pump management sensor (located under the spare tire mount), and I can confirm that voltage is present there. Still, no priming sound when the key is turned on. Any additional diagnostics or testing steps you recommend? Thanks for your help!

Anonymous 2016-06-01 07:32

You should verify power at the fuel pump itself — however, under normal conditions, the pump only receives 12V for about two seconds when the engine is off. This makes it a two-person job to safely test. At the Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM), there are typically around 12 wires connected. Check if you can access power at the module terminals — especially for ground and signal lines. Did you locate fuses 20 and 21 or the relay under the hood? If not, double-check the owner’s manual diagrams to confirm their exact location before concluding that the pump or control module is faulty.