What is Toyota secondary air injection system?

Toyota Secondary Air Injection System
The Toyota secondary air injection system is a component designed to reduce emissions by introducing fresh air into the exhaust stream, allowing for a fuller secondary combustion of exhaust gases. This process supports the efficient function of the catalytic converter, particularly during the cold start phase when the mixture is very rich. The injected air burns with the deliberately rich exhaust to bring the catalyst up to operating temperature quickly.
The system typically includes components such as the secondary air injection pump, air switching valves, and vacuum switching valves. In Toyota trucks, the system pumps secondary air to the exhaust manifold by pressure to accelerate the activation of the catalyst when warming up the engine. The air pump and air switching valve are monitored by the Engine Control Module (ECM), which detects malfunctions using a pressure sensor located on the air switching valve.
The secondary air injection system in Toyota and Lexus vehicles is known to be failure-prone, with the secondary air pumps and air switching valves notorious for mechanical and electrical fault codes. This has led to issues such as loss of power and unsafe driving conditions in affected vehicles.
In summary, the Toyota secondary air injection system is an emissions control strategy that supports the efficient function of the catalytic converter by introducing fresh air into the exhaust stream, particularly during the cold start phase, to reduce emissions.

What happens when a secondary air injection pump fails?

The failed secondary air injection pump can cause fluctuation in power. For instance, in one minute your vehicle is performing well and in the other minute, you may face a drop in revs. Thus, you need to replace the pump to avoid continuous engine stalls and ensure a smooth drive.

What is the purpose of the secondary air injection pump in a Toyota engine?

The main purpose of the SAI pump is to prevent hydrocarbons from reaching the environment and reduce carbon footprints. Often secondary air injection pumping is called pollution pumping for this reason. The secondary air injection pump is usually placed near the engine.

What is secondary air injection Toyota?

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 does a secondary air injection system do?

Secondary air injection is the most important method of reducing the high concentrations of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons during cold starting. As such it makes an essential contribution to minimising harmful substance emissions in this phase and ensuring compliance with current emissions standards.

Where is the secondary air injection located?

Secondary Air Injection Pump Location
The secondary air injection pump is usually placed near the engine. However, it may sometimes be hidden in the engine bay.

What are the symptoms of a secondary air injection check valve?

Common symptoms of a bad AIR check valve include:

• Illuminated Check Engine Light.
• Increased Tailpipe Emissions.
• Damage to Other Parts of the AIR System.

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”

Can I drive without secondary air injection?

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 do you fix a secondary air injection?

One thing you can do to fix the bad secondary air injection pump is to check and replace the fuses if needed. Besides, you can also fix the control valve or clean it for better performance. Also for a temporary fix, you can replace damaged hoses or patch small leaks.

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.