Emissions code

[johnschmitt]

Hey all.

I'm getting a secondary air injection system failure code.

Here's what I've done/ noticed so far:

The pump does come on when the car starts, it's blowing air, the check valve is opening, and the check valve is closed when the pump is off.

The pump will often come on later when the car is running for a while. I've read this is a forced test the pcm does when the initial test involving (i think) the O2 sensor fails.

I pulled the whole system apart, cleaned it, and stuck it back on. No change.

So what I'm wondering is if the O2 sensor could be dirty or worn out enough to not properly test the effectiveness of the smog pump but not so much that it can't do its normal job?

If anyone has knowledge of the system, particularly the car's diagnostic procedure, or has another idea I would appreciate it as always.


I normally would ignore the check engine light since this really only affects the efficiency of the catalytic converter during the first minute the car runs, but I got my Maryland emissions check postcard the other day and they're funny about that kind of thing.

[maxwedge]

What year and p0410?

[johnschmitt]

Sorry I'm an idiot.

1999, 3.1 Type "J" of course, or else I wouldn't have a secondary air injection system.

I'm pretty sure it was p0410. It was a general failure that didn't indicate any componant in particular.

[johnschmitt]

A bump and an update.

I replaced the plug wires and the idle air control valve after a mechanic visit. I pulled the pcm fuse to reset everything after I installed the iac valve but before I started the car then cycled the key on and off for 10 seconds each to set the valve. (like I've been told to do) The light went off and the code stayed away for a while, now it's back.

I'll be taking it back in next week, so if anybody knows anything about this please let me know.

The thing runs like a champ by the way.

[maxwedge]

The work done has no effecrt on the aux. air system, either the fuse is blown, the pump motor is bad or the solenoid/check valve.

[johnschmitt]

Sounds like I need a new mechanic. They told me those all checked out and the problem was due to the engine "not running right."

The pump comes on, so I guess I'll look over the check valve and its associated accoutrements.

Thanks a lot.

[rodeo02]

John, like Max says, take a look at that check valve again. The solenoid may energize on them, but you get no movement out of the pintle. They tend to gunk up.

Joel