Modern cars are all about efficiency. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a vehicle made in the last 30 years that isn’t fitted with some sort of EVAP, or evaporation system. The entire purpose of an EVAP system is to improve combustion and reduce the amount of toxic gasses that reach the atmosphere. However, when the system fails, it will trigger a series of check engine light codes that will need addressing.
The P0410 trouble code is the one that we will focus on in this guide. This particular code is related to the secondary air injection pump. Here’s everything you need to know about diagnosing, troubleshooting and potentially fixing this code.
What is the P0410 Code, and What Does It Mean?
The P0410 code reads out as follows: “Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction.” This emission control system component pumps air into the exhaust stream on cold starts with the goal of getting the catalytic converter up to temperature sooner, and thus reducing the amount of exhaust gasses that pass through a cold cat.
What is a Secondary Air Injection Pump?
The secondary air injection pump is what feeds air into the exhaust stream. In modern vehicles. It’s one of the two main components of the secondary air injection system, with the other one being the combination valve. Here’s how the secondary air injection pump usually works. The pump is tied into the air intake system where it draws air and pumps it through a series of tubes into the exhaust manifold.
The combination valve is there to allow or prevent the air from entering the exhaust manifold, which is a function dictated by the engine temperature, and other metrics the ECU relies on to determine whether the engine is operating in its most efficient state. Once your car is warmed up and all systems are working at 100% efficiency, the secondary air injection pump shuts down. Overall, the secondary air injection pump works for only a few minutes after every cold start.
What Causes the P0410 Code?
The fact that this is an emissions code doesn’t mean that it should be ignored. It can be a symptom of other failures and can lead to the damage of those components. That being said, here are some of the causes of a P0140 code:
- Secondary air injection pump failure
- Clogged catalytic converter
- O2 sensor issues
Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure
The pump is the principal component of this system. It is vulnerable to the backflow of moisture into the pump, which causes corrosion and can freeze in winter. Of course, if there are air leaks in the hose system or if there is no power flow, the pump will malfunction.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
Carbon deposits from a rich-air fuel mixture can block up the substrate and eventually damage the catalytic converter.
The P0410 code is caused when the substrate is partially clogged, as this increases the amount of gas flowing backward and into the secondary air injection system.
O2 Sensor Issues
The downstream O2 sensor plays an important role in adjusting the amount of air intake to improve emissions. It usually causes the engine to take in an increased amount of air and to run leaner. This has a subset of problems it can cause, including a P0410 code.
What Are the Common Symptoms of P0410 Fault Code?
When we look at the common symptoms of this trouble code, it’s important they are not specific to the secondary air injection system. However, knowing which symptoms relate to the P0410 code is a crucial piece of knowledge when diagnosing your vehicle. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Check engine light
- Rough idle and starting issues
- Rattling noises
Check Engine Light
This is the first signal that there is an issue with your vehicle. As the second air injection system is solely for emissions reduction, the light will only illuminate and not flash. Either way, that’s one of the first indicators that something is wrong and that you need to take a look under the hood.
Rough Idle and Starting Behavior
The interconnected systems of the modern vehicle provide fuel efficiency and reliability that was previously impossible. The downside to this is that when one system fails, it can affect other related systems.
When there is a vacuum leak in the secondary air injection system, the PCM (Powertrain control module) will adjust trim based on the information it receives from the O2 sensor. This can lead to the engine running rich or lean on a cold start.
Rattling Noises
Your secondary injection pump contains bearings and an impeller shaft that forces air into the exhaust stream. Failure of these components causes them to break loose and rattle within the plastic body of the pump.
How to Diagnose and Fix the Cause of P0410 Code
The silver lining about diagnosing anything related to the secondary air injection system is that there are only so many things that can go wrong with it. It’s a fairly simple setup, no matter what car you drive. Here is how you can diagnose this issue at home.
OBD II Reader
An OBD II reader allows you to identify whether you have a P0410 trouble code. Additionally, it helps to see related trouble codes, aiding you in the diagnostic process. Whenever you get a check engine light, you should run a full scan of the system. The connection port is usually located under the passenger side glove box. If you can’t find it, consult your car’s manual.
Inspection Test
Once you’ve identified the trouble code, you need to look for any external signs of damage. Melting, rattling, or dents are some indicators of damage to the pump.
By starting your vehicle and letting it idle, you’ll hear what sounds like a coffee grinder sound in your engine. The sound is similar to a failed bearing on the accessory belt, which can be confusing for many. However, you’ll notice that the sound is coming from a completely different location as the secondary air injection pump is always located within the intake somewhere.
A common failure point of secondary air injection hose system is where the hoses clamp to the fitting. Of course, if there are any loose hoses, they need to be tightened down or replaced depending on what’s going on. It isn’t always immediately evident that there is air leaking at the fitting because air can escape even if the hose loosens a little. The hoses themselves can become brittle.
Identifying Air Leaks
A vacuum tester is the best tool to test for hose leaks in your vehicle. We will jump straight to testing the control valve, as this is the most conclusive method of testing for a P0410 trouble code.
Connect your vacuum tester to the control valve hose fitting. Start your vehicle. The reading should be between 14 – 20 hg, any lower means that there is a leak in the system.
A smoke machine will tell you exactly where the leak is. Most professional mechanics will use it to diagnose where the vacuum leak is coming from. If you don’t have a vacuum smoke tester, you can spray the suspected areas with some soapy water. If there’s a leak, you’ll see bubbles.
Multimeter Test
Electrical problems are a common cause of the P0410 code. Either the wire powering the control valve fails, which causes it to shut down, or the signal wire fails and the PCM can’t signal when it should open or close.
Your multimeter should be set to voltage for this test. Take your positive (red) probe and back probe the signal wire. The negative probe (black) should make contact with ground, which can be any metal part of your vehicle. It can also be the ground wire coming from the sensor, but we use chassis ground as a break in the ground wire will prevent us from conducting this test properly.
The voltage reading should be around 5V from the signal wire. When measuring the power wire, it should be around 12V.
O2 Sensors
This is not directly related to the secondary air injection system, but the downstream O2 sensor and the SAIS work together to reduce emissions.
The downstream O2 sensor is located just after the catalytic converter. Look for any signs of external damage and use your multimeter to test it.
Fuse Issues
In the event that you have an electrical issue, the fuse is the first component to fail so that it prevents damage to more important parts like the PCM. Once you’ve replaced the solenoid and there are no other issues, you can look in your fuse box.
If you see any burnt, failed or otherwise damaged fuses, replace them. Make sure that you use the same amperage rating and voltage fuse as the original. Using a fuse that blows at the wrong current can damage other electrical components.
Cleaning Your Secondary Injection System
Often, the P0410 code is caused by the combination valve failing. Many times the valve itself has not failed but is so gummed up that it can function properly. If you’re confident enough to disconnect the system, you can use a carbon cleaner to remove some of the built-up debris on the valve.
It can also be stuck on the side of the hoses and can be scrubbed off using a tube brush or a carbon cleaner.
One factor you should always take into account is that most normal running engines will not produce high amounts of carbon (soot). It can be a sign that there is another issue causing your engine to run rich, and you should solve that accordingly.
Does P0410 Clear Itself?
Most trouble codes, including the P0410, will clear themselves in a few drive cycles once the problem is solved. The number differs between manufacturers and vehicles, but the information should be contained in your owner’s manual.
Is It OK to Drive With a P0410 Error?
Many people do not notice when this system fails. If it is not related to an engine problem, you can drive with a P0410 code. However, you should not ignore it for too long, as it can be an indicator of deeper problems.
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