Locating Air Pump

[Maddyfan171]

Hello,

I have a 2000 GP GT 3.8.

I had 2 mechanics tell me they cannot find my air pump.
It needs to be replaced because I am getting code P0410 (Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction) and I need an inspection sticker.

Can someone please tell me where it is?

Thanks

[BNaylor]

To start there is no air pump. Next odb-ii DTC error code P0410 is not a valid PCM fault code for your model Grand Prix. It must be another problem causing it.

[richtazz]

I was about to agree with Bob, but I looked in the GM computer anyway, just to be sure. If the car is California emissions equipped, there is an air pump. The AC Delco part number is 215-414. It is electric, and it's mounted on a plate bolted to the frame just ahead of the drivers side front wheel well. If it's like the Camaro's and Blazers, it's wonderful location ahead of the wheel well subjects it to water infiltration, and that's what causes it to fail. When your mechanic finds it, I'll bet it's filled with water.

[richtazz]

I checked again, and my assumption was correct. There is a GM service bulletin (#04-06-04-037) in regards to water infiltration, and it suggests replacing the hose and installing a shield as well.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by richtazz

I was about to agree with Bob, but I looked in the GM computer anyway, just to be sure. If the car is California emissions equipped, there is an air pump. The AC Delco part number is 215-414. It is electric, and it's mounted on a plate bolted to the frame just ahead of the drivers side front wheel well. If it's like the Camaro's and Blazers, it's wonderful location ahead of the wheel well subjects it to water infiltration, and that's what causes it to fail. When your mechanic finds it, I'll bet it's filled with water.

Unless the car was a California emissions model that wound up in Massachusetts I doubt he has an air pump it but it's possible if it was orginally delivered in California. I checked his profile before responding.

BTW - DTC error code P0410 is primarily applicable to GM's 3.5L LX5 "Shortstar" engine found in Oldsmobile Intrigues in which all 50 state models have a secondary air pump. FYI.

[richtazz]

If he can get me his last 8 digits of his VIN, we can eliminate all guessing. The SPID code is NC8 for the California emissions option. Wierder things have happened than a California car ending up in Massachussets, so I figured I'd throw that out there.

[Langning]

I had the P0410 code last year and the trouble was actually a clogged cat. converter.

[andylikespez]

Originally Posted by richtazz

I was about to agree with Bob, but I looked in the GM computer anyway, just to be sure. If the car is California emissions equipped, there is an air pump. The AC Delco part number is 215-414. It is electric, and it's mounted on a plate bolted to the frame just ahead of the drivers side front wheel well. If it's like the Camaro's and Blazers, it's wonderful location ahead of the wheel well subjects it to water infiltration, and that's what causes it to fail. When your mechanic finds it, I'll bet it's filled with water.

aint that the truth. i have a 2000 SE 3.1 and i had water getting into the airpump and freezing and blowing fuses, and clicking the check engine light. I was getting that p0410 code. brought it so a shop since i didnt have a clue what was going on, and they re routed the air pump filter up to the top of the engine and zip tied it to that strut bar thing on the drivers side. never had a problem since.

[Langning]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Unless the car was a California emissions model that wound up in Massachusetts I doubt he has an air pump it but it's possible if it was orginally delivered in California. I checked his profile before responding.

Massachusetts are few of the states that adhere to California Emission Standard. I live in MA also...

My car drove very sluggish and accerlerated very slowly and I had to wait a full week before my Pontiac dealer could see my car. And I had gotten the "Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction" code 3 times within that week. I was affraid of some type of engine/transmission problem that caused my car's slow accerleration. No, the dealer replaced my clogged cat. converter and no more problem afterward. If you research "air pump" or "secondary air injection" and cat. converter, you will see that they work closely as part of the exhuast system...

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Langning

Massachusetts are few of the states that adhere to California Emission Standard. I live in MA also...

My car drove very sluggish and accerlerated very slowly and I had to wait a full week before my Pontiac dealer could see my car. And I had gotten the "Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction" code 3 times within that week. I was affraid of some type of engine/transmission problem that caused my car's slow accerleration. No, the dealer replaced my clogged cat. converter and no more problem afterward. If you research "air pump" or "secondary air injection" and cat. converter, you will see that they work closely as part of the exhuast system...

Thanks for the heads up. I was unaware Massachusetts (green state) followed California emissions and the cars delivered there had the RPO NC1 or NC8 emissions codes. That makes sense. At least he has another option to consider like the CAT convertor since you had a similar problem.

BTW - What I find interesting about this post is you'd figure that automobile mechanics in Massachusetts would know where the air pump is located, if installed.

Originally Posted by Maddyfan171

Hello,

I have a 2000 GP GT 3.8.

I had 2 mechanics tell me they cannot find my air pump.
It needs to be replaced because I am getting code P0410 (Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction) and I need an inspection sticker.

Can someone please tell me where it is?

Thanks

[Maddyfan171]

Thanks Guys for all your input. I really appreciate it. Hopefully with these tips I can get this resolved finally.

[richtazz]

I agree Bob. The problem is that there are a lot of "mechanics" out there that don't have a clue about automotive systems. They are "parts changers", not true automotive techs. I'm just a parts guy, granted I know my way around a car and how to troubleshoot, but I'm constantly pointing "supposed" ASE master techs in the right direction. You'd think they could follow the air pump hoses to find it (they are 1/2" id hose), but.....

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by richtazz

I agree Bob. The problem is that there are a lot of "mechanics" out there that don't have a clue about automotive systems. They are "parts changers", not true automotive techs. I'm just a parts guy, granted I know my way around a car and how to troubleshoot, but I'm constantly pointing "supposed" ASE master techs in the right direction. You'd think they could follow the air pump hoses to find it (they are 1/2" id hose), but.....

Well I can see why it would be overlooked or the techs would not be knowledgeable in California LEV and all the cars that may or may not meet that standard. That is why continuing education is important to keep up with the new standards for automobiles. A lot of Green States are adopting or have adopted California vehicle emissions. Massachusetts has just made it stricter or just recently implemented Calif. LEV: See link below:

http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/levfinal.htm

That is just the tip of the iceberg. New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut and a few others are or have done the same.

Now when someone posts an emissions related problem not only will we need to know mileage, model, year, etc. but what state they are in.

I'm glad I don't have to worry about it. Texas won't be a green state for a long time. Plus if I had a secondary air pump I'd can it or get it inhibited because they are not consistent with modded cars.

I'm still curious as to whether the NC8 or NC1 RPO code is listed on the SPID label of those guys residing in the Green states.

[richtazz]

That's a good question Bob, how about it guys, do your cars in MA have the option code NC8 or NC1 n the SPID label for the California emission standard?

[Langning]

My wife kept the window stickers on all the cars we purchased, I will take a peek when I get home.