2001 Intrigue - Air Pump ?

bsansa · 10-09-2008, 01:31 PM

Lately the Air Pump in my car has been increasing in speed almost like it has two speeds. It starts out at what I'll call normal speed (a sound that I am used to) and then after a few seconds it will go into what sounds like high speed. It doesn't sound like a bearing is out or anything like that. It just sounds like it wants to go two speeds now.

Exactly what is that pump for and do we need it?

Thanks for the help,

Bryan

LittleHoov · 10-10-2008, 01:59 AM

Its an emissions device, basically it pumps the stored vapors from your gas tank back into the airstream.

Whether or not its really needed is kind of a subjective term. But more than likely if you remove it you will almost certainly have a check engine light that wont go away.

Mine is rather loud as well, cant say ive noticed the multiple speeds things, but it is louder lately. But it only runs for about a minute, and usually only on a cold start, so its not a huge issue for me.

Hoppy2 · 10-10-2008, 06:00 AM

This pump does not take fumes from the gastank littlhoov. It merely takes air from behind the headlight and pumps it into the exhaust. You can see the air filter behind the headlight. I just recently cleaned mine but it is still loud. I think it is only to help the cat convertor to warm up or work better. PITA if you ask me though.

LittleHoov · 10-10-2008, 11:15 AM

Well then, I do in fact stand corrected. I tried to tell you guys I dont really know that much haha.

I would hypothesize then, that it injects air somewhere downstream from the EGR valve, because it would seem kind of stupid to inject air into the exhaust stream only to re-circulate it through the airstream via the EGR valve.

remark123 · 10-10-2008, 12:52 PM

It injects air into the exhaust in order to lean out the exhaust gas mixture prior to the O2 sensor so that the ECM will measure the mixture correctly. I know, don't blame me, this is how the powertrain guys set it up so that the vehicle would pass the required 50K mileage emission warranty.

bsansa · 10-15-2008, 08:20 PM

Thanks guys for all the good info. Still makes the two stage sounds but only for a minute or less. Guess it only started since the weather's been a little cooler in the mornings.

Bryan

bsansa · 10-21-2008, 07:45 PM

Well, I'm starting to get the P0410 (secondary air injection malfunction) code now. The pump appears to be working fine. I've taken it apart and there is no water in it like the TSB for this trouble indicates. Also, my gas mileage has taken a sh$#@t. The really strange thing is I feel like I hear the pump kick on while I'm driving and at the same time my lights flicker (in the morning). What I can't understand is what is commanding the pump to come on while driving? The relay looks good so I'm not sure what could be causing this. Could a bad O2 sensor command the pump on?

Hoppy2 · 10-22-2008, 06:13 AM

Mine comes on as well, first thing in the morning, or when cold and then again about 2 to 3 kilometres down the road for a couple short blasts of air. Not sure why, but it does, and yes, my headlights dim quite noticably too.

Not sure why you are getting the code? Is the intake filter for it clogged perhaps? It is located directly behind the left side headlight between the inner and outer fender. I cleaned mine, but did not make the whiney air pump any quieter.

bsansa · 10-22-2008, 06:23 AM

Filter is clean as a whistle. With the pump spinning and all I would have to assume it's good. I've checked the vacuum lines and they all appear to be in good shape (no leaks). With the pump turning one I also have to assume the relay and fuse are both good. I'm wondering if I have a stuck vacuum solenoid. I guess the car has two of them (one left, one right). not sure how to test those though.

Hoppy2 · 10-22-2008, 06:28 AM

Not sure about a vacuum solenoid, but if I remember, there are two solenoids that are on the exhaust manifold in which are hooked up to the air pump and probably open when the pump comes up to speed. Perhaps these are setting your codes. Maybe you can take them off and just clean them?

bsansa · 10-22-2008, 06:56 AM

I'm wondering if I had one that was bad and allowed air to pass by the second and then finally the second one went bad and is now restricting the air flow? I guess I could test that theory by pulling a vacuum on them one at a time and seeing if air flows.

Hoppy2 · 10-22-2008, 07:08 PM

It is not a vacuum system. The AIR pump pumps air and vacuums it in from the filter behind the headlight.

bsansa · 10-23-2008, 06:18 AM

Here's the scenario this morning:

1) Start up car, pump comes on and goes off as usual
2) Driving down road about a mile and lights flicker, pump comes on (40 mph)
3) Let off gas and pump goes off
4) Accelerate to around 40, can hear pump come on again
5) Let off gas and pump turns off

Pump appears to be turning on for short bursts.

What ever (condition) is telling the pump to come on during acceleration or ride down the road is what is causing my P0410 code. urrrrrgh

Hoppy2 · 10-23-2008, 06:20 AM

Yes, that sounds like how mine operates as well. I have tried that scenario a few times when it comes on breifly, but there again, once the car warms up it does not come back on again.

bsansa · 10-23-2008, 06:26 AM

This just started doing this only recently. I'm still wondering if the O2 sensor is going bad and senses a rich or lean condition. All the mechanics that I've talked to say "no they doubt it". So what is it? Something is telling that pump to come back on.

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