What is a secondary (secondary air injection pump)? How can you detect secondary air injection pump malfunction? What are the symptoms of secondary air injection pump failure ?….
What is Secondary (Secondary Air Injection Pump)?
Secondary air injection pump, also known by the SAI (secondary air injection pump), is responsible for reducing carbon emissions from vehicles’ tailpipes. It is responsible for bringing fresh air in from the outside to the exhaust system. Additionally, it reduces hydrocarbon pollutants that are expelled from the pipe. This reduces air pollution and makes the environment safer.
The exhaust manifold is connected to the catalytic convert. This pump pumps air into exhaust system. This allows for better combustion of fuel and better air flow to the engine. It is also known as a secondary air injector pump. The engine cylinder is the first to receive air during combustion.
When you start your car, the second air injection pump will be used. This is because the catalytic convert must be at its correct operating temperature before it can function. The system has a valve that controls when the pump can be used. A richer fuel mixture is required for cold engines. This is where the secondary injection system steps in and assumes responsibility. The valve activates the pump when the catalytic converter reaches a normal operating temperature. The system prolongs the life span of the catalytic conversion by doing this.
What are the symptoms of secondary air injection pump failure?
The vehicle’s emission will rise if the secondary air injection pump fails. There will also be more hydrocarbons coming out of the tailpipe. The exhaust emission test may not pass your vehicle. The lack of air could affect the overall performance of your engine. Sometimes, a malfunctioning air pump will cause warning signs that can be detected by the driver. These are the most common symptoms of a malfunction:
- – Illumination and control of the check engine light
- – No power during acceleration
- – Stumbling and hesitation when you accelerate
- – Reduced engine speed at idle
- Engine Stalling and Stalling
- – Exhaust emissions are rising
Idle / Vehicle Stopping
An engine’s idle speed will drop as a sign that the air pump is not working properly. The engine’s delicate mixture of air and fuel can become unsound, resulting in a decrease in engine speed.
Check the tachometer to determine the engine’s current RPM. An idling engine’s normal RPM should be between 600-1000 RPM. You can expect the RPM drop if your secondary air injection pump malfunctions.
In certain cases, a faulty engine pump can lead to inconsistent engine speed fluctuations. After your vehicle has been running smoothly for several minutes, suddenly the engine speed will drop and cause the vehicle to stall. The faulty air pumps must be replaced to ensure smooth running and prevent engine stalling.
Reduced Engine Power/Acceleration Issues
Reduced engine power is another sign of a defective air pump. A damaged pump can cause engine performance to drop and could lead to vehicle degrading. If the air/fuel ratio becomes less than ideal and the engine doesn’t have enough fuel, the engine can experience hesitation and stumbling when you press the accelerator. The engine’s horsepower may drop dramatically.
It could also be caused by mechanical problems, but a faulty pump is also possible. The air pump should be checked if the symptoms are present.
Engine Malfunction Light On
Check engine lights are one of the most obvious signs of an inoperable air pump. If the vehicle’s PCM/ECM detects a problem in the air pump circuit or the pump itself, it will set a fault code and light the check engine lamp to alert the driver. You may also see the check engine light come on due to other reasons. To read the code in your PCM’s memory, a scanner is required. Common fault codes relating to the secondary injection pump are P0410 andP0411.
Emissions of exhaust gases are rising
Secondary air injection pumps are used to reduce hydrocarbons in your emission system. A faulty pump can cause your emissions system to release large amounts of hydrocarbons into our atmosphere. This is not only a problem for our environment but also makes it impossible to pass an exhaust emission test.
A faulty secondary injection pump could be the reason you are experiencing at least two symptoms. Your vehicle’s operation is dependent on the air pump, which is an essential part of its emissions system. It is important to get your vehicle’s air pump serviced immediately if it has a problem.
