Vauxhall Astra 1.6 8v 2002 - P0230 Fault Code: Car Dies After 15-20 Minutes, Fuel Pump Relay Replacement Failed
A few weeks ago, my Vauxhall Astra 1.6 8v (2002 model) suddenly died while I was driving, as if the ignition had been turned off. I managed to park and wait for a friend before the car restarted after about 30 minutes. Since then, I've taken it to a garage where they identified fault code P0230. I've already replaced the fuel pump relays with no improvement — the vehicle runs for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before shutting down completely. The technician suggested that the ECU may need rebuilding, but I'm hoping for more technical insight before making such a decision. This car has reached 120-130,000 miles and I'd like to keep it running if possible at a reasonable cost. Any advice or confirmed solutions related to P0230 on this specific model would be greatly appreciated.
The P0230 code indicates an issue with the fuel pump relay control circuit. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is detecting a fault — either a ground or short to power on this wiring circuit. Please inspect the wiring harness and connections for any signs of corrosion, damage, or loose terminals. If you've added any electrical accessories such as alarms or remote starters, these could be interfering with the system. Note: I currently do not have access to official wiring diagrams for the 2002 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 8v model.