Fix the Ford P1233 FPDM Fuel No Start Problem

Here's a fix for that no-start condition on 2004-2008 Ford trucks. The FPDM (fuel pressure driver module) usually shows up as a P1233 diagnostic trouble code (OBD-II) when the truck's codes are read. A Ford P1233 code is described as Fuel Pump Driver Module Offline or Fuel System Disabled or Offline. A search on Google for Ford P1233 shows that this P1233 DTC code is not limited to being a problem on just Ford trucks. Others with the Focus, Mustang, Town Car, etc. also experience this problem.

You may experience stalling, no-starts, random no-starts, or other potential symptoms. A quick search over at MotorcraftService.com (a Ford service web site), they offer the following possible causes if the P1233 code is triggered:

• Inertia fuel shutoff (IFS) switch needs to be reset.
• Open FPDM ground circuit
• Open circuit to FPDM PWR RLY
• Open FPDM PWR circuit
• Open or shorted FPM circuit (engine should start).
• Damaged IFS switch.
• Damaged FPDM PWR RLY
• Damaged FPDM
• Damaged PCM

There is also a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that may pertain to this specific issue. Here is a text summary:

Make : FORD Model : F150 Year : 2004
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Service Bulletin Num : 17238 Date of Bulletin: SEP 01, 2003
NHTSA Item Number: 10004092
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary:
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1233, WITH OR WITHOUT ANY DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. *TT

Related P1233 FPDM Forum Threads

• Ford F150 - Truck will not start
• Ford F150 - P1233 code issue

Fixing the Ford F150 P1233 Code

In the case of member lobo2mil4 in our forums, the problem turned out to be a failed FPDM. It was clear just by looking at it that it needed replacement. If your truck has the same code, take a look at that list of possible causes from above when determining how to fix the code. Your problem may not be a faulty FPDM. Please, do proper diagnostics before spending money replacing parts. All too often you hear of people just replacing parts because that's what the DTC code referred to. Sometimes failures also occur in the wiring, connectors, etc.

Thanks to member lobo2mil4 for contributing the photos below to this article. He went to a junkyard to search for a used one but they were all in poor condition, so he bought a new one from the dealer.

New FPDMs can be purchased from the dealer, for an estimated $84. The original FPDM part number for lobo2mil4's truck was 3F2A-9D370-BA, the part number on the new one was 5L8Z-9D370-A. The correct one for your truck may be a different part number and/or cost. Check with the dealer to be sure.

Truck wouldn't run so I pinpointed the problem to be fuel pump related. But the problem turned out to be the FPDM. Here is a photo of where is located (this shows the new one). To gain access, remove the spare tire, you'll find it right on the crossbar, it's easy to remove

The old FPDM (broken, bad shape!)

The backside of the old FPDM

Good luck! If you have a truck repair question, don't hesitate to ask for help in our forums.