Code
C2231
HYUNDAI
C — Chassis
Vacuum Pump System Fail
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Failed vacuum pump motor
- Open/short in vacuum pump power or control wiring
- Blown fuse or bad relay for the pump circuit
- Leaking vacuum lines, hoses, or fittings
- Faulty one-way check valve or vacuum reservoir
- Faulty vacuum sensor or pressure transducer
Symptoms
- Brake pedal feels hard or requires more effort (reduced brake assist)
- Brake warning light or ABS/ESC warning lamp illuminated
- DTC C2231 stored in ABS/vehicle control module
- Audible abnormal noise from vacuum pump (grinding or whining)
- Poor engine idle or increased engine load in rare cases if pump draws excessive current
What to check
- Read DTCs and freeze-frame data with a capable scan tool; note MIL/warning lamp status
- Check for additional stored codes in ABS, engine or BCM that may be related
- Visually inspect vacuum pump, vacuum lines, check valve and reservoir for damage or disconnected hoses
- Inspect pump electrical connector, wiring harness for corrosion, loose pins, or damage
- Verify fuses and relays for the vacuum pump circuit
- Measure supply voltage at the pump connector with key on/engine off and while commanded
Signal parameters
- Supply voltage to pump: ~11–14 V (key on/engine running)
- Pump current draw: manufacturer-specific; typically 1–10 A peak (measure with ammeter)
- Vacuum reservoir pressure: expected vacuum at idle or when commanded (example: > -60 kPa or vacuum reading per service manual)
- Vacuum sensor reading: matches actual vacuum within sensor tolerance
- Control signal (if PWM): duty cycle or frequency from ABS/ECU when commanding pump
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify DTC and any related codes with a scan tool; record freeze frame and live data.
- Perform a visual inspection: vacuum hoses, check valve, reservoir, pump mounting and electrical connectors.
- Check fuses/relays for the vacuum pump circuit; replace if faulty and retest.
- With ignition on, measure voltage at pump connector. If no voltage, trace wiring back to relay/fuse/module and repair open circuit.
- Command the pump ON using a capable scan tool (if supported) and confirm pump runs audibly and by measuring voltage/current at the pump.
- If pump runs but vacuum is low, inspect hoses, check valve and reservoir for leaks; pressure test or use a hand vacuum pump to isolate leak.
- If vacuum is not produced and pump has proper supply but minimal/no current draw, remove pump and bench-test by applying direct battery voltage briefly (observe safety and torqueing recommendations). If pump does not run or draws excessive current, replace pump.
- If pump bench-tests OK, inspect wiring for high resistance, intermittent opens, or poor ground; repair as needed.
- Verify vacuum sensor operation by comparing sensor output to measured vacuum with a gauge; replace sensor if out of spec.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional tests and a road test to ensure the vacuum system builds and maintains required vacuum and no codes return. If codes persist, consider control module diagnostics per manufacturer's procedures.
Likely causes
- Vacuum pump not running due to blown fuse, relay, or open wiring
- Pump runs but does not produce vacuum because of internal failure
- Vacuum hose or check valve leak preventing reservoir from building vacuum
- Bad vacuum sensor sending incorrect feedback to control module
- Intermittent connector or ground causing sporadic pump operation
Fault status
Status
Vacuum pump system failure detected — pump performance, circuit or vacuum integrity is out of expected range; reduced brake assist or warning lamp may occur.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Manual library for HYUNDAI
371
Browse 371 HYUNDAI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
HYUNDAI
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