Open or damaged wiring in the pump control circuit, such as a broken wire or corroded connector; Failed charge air cooler coolant pump (electrical motor open or seized); Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying power to the pump; Poor ground connection for the pump circuit; Faulty engine control module driver for the pump circuit (less common); Coolant contamination or low coolant level causing the pump to overheat and fail

DTC codes / P02xx · Fuel and air metering (injector circuits) / P023A

P023ACharge Air Cooler Coolant Pump A Control Circuit/Open

Q: What does code P023A mean?

Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump A Control Circuit/Open. P023A indicates that the engine control module has detected an open circuit or control fault in the electrical path for the charge air cooler coolant pump, which circulates coolant through the air-to-liquid intercooler to keep intake air dense. The computer monitors the pump control circuit and sets this code when the commanded current or voltage does not match expected values, often due to a wiring break, poor connection, or failed pump.

P023A indicates that the engine control module has detected an open circuit or control fault in the electrical path for the charge air cooler coolant pump, which circulates coolant through the air-to-liquid intercooler to keep intake air dense. The computer monitors the pump control circuit and sets this code when the commanded current or voltage does not match expected values, often due to a wiring break, poor connection, or failed pump.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Reduced engine performance or power, especially during sustained boost
Poor fuel economy or increased intake air temperatures under load
In rare cases, the engine may enter limp mode or derate power to protect components
A faint coolant smell or low coolant level if the pump has failed and allowed overheating

Common causes, most likely first

Open or damaged wiring in the pump control circuit, such as a broken wire or corroded connector
Failed charge air cooler coolant pump (electrical motor open or seized)
Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying power to the pump
Poor ground connection for the pump circuit
Faulty engine control module driver for the pump circuit (less common)
Coolant contamination or low coolant level causing the pump to overheat and fail

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the pump electrical connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
Check the fuse and relay associated with the charge air cooler coolant pump circuit
Measure resistance across the pump motor to verify it is within specification
Test for power and ground at the pump connector with the key on and engine running
Perform a voltage drop test on the ground circuit to ensure a clean ground path
If the circuit is intact, command the pump on with a scan tool and listen for operation
Replace the charge air cooler coolant pump if it fails electrical or operational tests

What the code does not always mean

A P023A code can be set by a momentary loss of communication or a glitch in the control module, so clearing the code and test-driving may reveal it was a one-time event.
Many technicians replace the pump only to find the real fault is a chafed wire harness near the intercooler or a corroded ground point that mimics an open circuit.
Low coolant level or air pockets in the charge air cooler system can cause the pump to run dry and overheat, leading to an open circuit code without any wiring issue.
The charge air cooler coolant pump is often confused with the engine coolant pump, but they are separate components; diagnosing the wrong pump wastes time and money.
On some vehicles, the pump is controlled by a pulse-width modulated signal, and a failed driver in the control module can set this code even when the pump itself is good.

Can I keep driving with P023A?

You can usually continue driving with this code, but avoid heavy acceleration or sustained high-load conditions because the charge air cooler may not be properly cooled, which can reduce performance and potentially lead to overheating of intake components. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent secondary damage.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.