Code P0410: Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction

What Does the Code P0410 Mean?

The generic diagnostic trouble code is related to the emissions system. An air pump brings outside air into the exhaust to help reduce emissions. This air is pumped through two one-way check valves on each side of the exhaust.

There is an O2 sensor that measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. Periodically the ECM runs an active test of the system using this sensor first measuring the amount of air with the system first off then on and comparing the values. If this test does not detect an increase in the oxygen between the two measurements, code P0410 is set.

What Are the Symptoms of Code P0410?

The best way to identify an OBD-II scanner error code P0410 problem is by checking with a diagnostic scanner. However, there are a couple of noticeable symptoms:

• The vehicle hesitates slightly when accelerating.
• There is some noise coming from the air pump, often caused by bad bearings.
• The engine runs too lean or too rich if the system is pumping too much or too little oxygen into the exhaust.

What Are the Causes of Code P0410?

If code P0410 is set, then one or more of the following may have occurred:

• The air injections system is blocked, preventing the system from pumping air into the exhaust.
• The air injection pump relay contacts are damaged or otherwise not making contact.
• The oxygen sensor is faulty.
• The fuse on the air pump has blown.
• There is backpressure in the exhaust, possibly caused by a blockage in the cat.
• The one-way check valves have malfunctioned.

The latter cause would allow water into the air pump. This can then corrode or otherwise damage the pump, causing it to be unable to push air into the exhaust. This is perhaps the most common reason for code P0410.

In colder climates, it is common for water in the system to cause it to freeze. If the ECM/PECM turns that pump on and it is frozen, the circuit will overload and the fuse will blow.

How Do I Fix Trouble Code P0410?

Before attempting to troubleshoot this problem, check for any technical service bulletins. There are known issues with some General Motors models that cause this code to be set. Technical service bulletins contain comprehensive instructions on fixing the issue.

Inspect the air pump and the check valves for any unusual conditions. If the pump appears to be damaged or the valves appear to be excessively worn, replace them. Also, check the fuse for the air pump to see if it is blown. If it is, it needs to be replaced and the pump likely does as well.

If you can’t find any damage, clean out the air pump and the hoses. This issue is often caused by debris or other obstruction preventing the pump from running. Following this, capture the freeze frame data from your diagnostic scanner and reset the codes. Run the vehicle again and see if the code gets set again. If it does, replace the pump and one-way check valves. In many cases, this will solve the problem.

Inspect the air pump inlet hose. If necessary, repair or replace this component. If this does not fix the issue, replace the O2 sensor.

This system is covered by the emissions warranty on some vehicles. Before trying to fix the issue yourself, check your warranty information. This repair may be covered.