What is the secondary air pump system on a Subaru?

What is the secondary air pump system on a Subaru?
The secondary air pump system on a Subaru is a component of the vehicle’s emissions control system. It is designed to assist in the cleaning up of exhaust gases by promoting earlier exhaust catalyst operation. When the vehicle is first started and the intake air and coolant temperatures are below a specified value, the air pump located behind the vehicle’s battery injects air into the exhaust system. This helps reduce hydrocarbon emissions by providing additional oxygen for the catalytic converter to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances.
The secondary air pump system is only operational for a short amount of time after the engine is started, typically around 30-60 seconds, and becomes inactive thereafter. It plays a significant role in reducing emissions and making Subaru vehicles more eco-friendly.
Please note that the secondary air pump system can sometimes experience malfunctions or failures, which may result in error codes and the need for repairs or replacements.

Can a car run without a secondary air pump?

Which begs the question: Does a car need a secondary air injection system to run? Strictly speaking, no, it doesn’t. If your car doesn’t have a smog pump, a couple things can happen.

How much does it cost to fix a secondary air injection system?

On average, most Dealerships will quote between $2,000 – $3,000 for parts and labor. Depending on your engine size, you may need to replace both Air Switching Valves and could involve removal of the intake.

How do you check if the secondary air pump is working?

The function test for the secondary air pump can be performed when the engine is cold, as the pump will then be audible for up to 90 seconds. However, the test can also be carried out with the engine at operating temperature using a diagnostic tester or an external 12 volt voltage source.

What are the symptoms of a bad secondary air injection pump?

Potential complaints:

• Secondary air pump does not start after a cold start.
• The engine compartment smells charred.
• Melting traces on the electrical contacts of the secondary air pump.
• P0410 “Malfunction”

What controls the secondary air pump?

FUNCTION OF THE ACTIVE SECONDARY AIR SYSTEM: FUNCTION
The system is controlled by the engine control unit. While the system is working, the electric pump is switched on by the engine control unit via the control relay. The pneumatic control valve is actuated at the same time.

What does secondary air pump do?

The secondary-air pump draws in ambient air and injects it into the exhaust manifold downstream of the exhaust valves. There is a separate integrated air filter if the air is not drawn in from the intake system but rather directly from the engine compartment.

How can you tell if you have a bad air pump?

The most obvious sign of a broken air pump is a lack of air flow or pressure. If the pump is not producing any air at all, then it is likely that the pump is broken and needs to be repaired or replaced.

What does secondary air pressure do?

Secondary air injection (commonly known as air injection) is a vehicle emissions control strategy introduced in 1966, wherein fresh air is injected into the exhaust stream to allow for a fuller secondary combustion of exhaust gases.

What happens when the secondary air pump goes bad?

Emissions Test Failed
The secondary air injection pump decreases the amount of hydrocarbons in your emissions system; hence, if it goes bad then the emission system will release more hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. Besides, the emission test will also appear failed due to the bad secondary air pump.

What causes the secondary air pump to fail?

Ingress of moisture can cause damage which results in seizure of the pump. Faulty ground and voltage supply can also cause the pump to fail. Blocked or leaking lines can also cause the failure or malfunction of the control or combination valve, resulting in the failure of the secondary air system.