Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Malfunction
P1238 is an OBD-II trouble code that indicates fuel pump secondary circuit malfunction. This page explains what the code means, what issues may trigger it, common symptoms and where to look next.
P1238 code meaning is one of the most common OBD-II searches when a warning light appears on the dashboard.
Drivers searching for P1238 usually want to know what the code means, whether the car is safe to drive and what part may need testing first.
Likely causes
- • Open circuit or short circuit
- • Poor electrical connection
- • Fuel pressure issue
- • Fuel delivery restriction
- • Wiring or connector issue
- • Component failure in the affected system
Symptoms
- • Check engine light illuminated
- • Poor fuel economy
- • Hard starting or hesitation
Severity
Medium
Can you keep driving?
Whether you can keep driving depends on how the vehicle is behaving. If there is rough running, loss of power, overheating or stalling, diagnose it as soon as possible.
Common fix areas
- • Check continuity, power and ground
- • Inspect for damaged wiring or corrosion
- • Scan all fault codes and freeze-frame data
- • Inspect wiring, connectors and grounds
- • Confirm repair with a retest after clearing codes
Manufacturer notes
FAQs
What does P1238 mean?
P1238 means fuel pump secondary circuit malfunction.
What can cause P1238?
Common causes include component failure, wiring faults, incorrect sensor readings, leaks, pressure issues or related upstream faults in the same system.
Can I keep driving with P1238?
That depends on how the car is behaving. If there is rough running, overheating, loss of power or stalling, it should be diagnosed quickly.
Does P1238 always mean I need a new part?
No. A fault code points you to a system or condition, but proper diagnosis is still needed before replacing parts.