Error Code P0410 is described as Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction. This means there’s an issue in the vehicle’s emission system, and can be caused by either electrical or mechanical failure.

Definition

Error Code P0410 refers to a problem with the emissions system, most probably a issue with the air pump. The job of the air pump is to send air to the exhaust to decrease the emissions. It uses air from the outside and pumps it to the one-way check valves to every bank of the exhaust.

This code is actually pretty common, and it’s usually caused by air pump pressure escaping to the outside if any of the air pipes that lead to the combustion valve is damaged or lodged after changing the spark plug. 90% of the time, this code is triggered when one-way check valve have been damaged or has allowed water (which naturally happens in the exhaust) back into the pump. During colder seasons, particularly in seasons with higher humidity, water can be excessive and may partially fill the air pump and freeze there. Obviously, if the PCM triggers the pump on, the pump will not turn, and this results to overloading of the circuit and “pop” the fuse.

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine light is on
  • Engine hesitates during acceleration
  • Noticeable noise caused by stuck air pump

Possible Causes

  • Faulty Air Pump Check Valve(s)
  • Defective Vacuum Lines or Air Control Solenoids
  • Defective Air Pump or Air Pump Relay
  • Restricted System or System Plugged with Carbon
  • Water collected and accumulated in the AIR pump
  • Frozen or corroded pump
  • Blown AIR pump fuse caused by freezing

How to Check

When this error code is set, the Powertrain Computer Module (PCM) doesn’t see the front oxygen sensor voltage drop significantly, where the air pump is expected to add outside air to the exhaust system and help burn off excessive HCs and CO. Thus, to diagnose this error code, it is important to use the Scan Tool during a cold start. Also, some scan tools provide technicians with ways to test for SAS (Secondary Air Systems) when the vehicle is already warmed up.

To start the diagnosis, ensure the engine is cold and take note of the front O2 sensor from the scan tool data stream. You should be able to hear the secondary air pump start after 5 to 10 seconds – it’s a vacuum cleaner-like sound that runs under the hood of the vehicle. As soon as the AIR pump kicks in, the front O2 sensor(s) voltage should be less than .125V (or 125 milivolts). If this code does not appear, then that’s a tell-tale sign for a fault condition in the SAS.

If you DON’T hear the air pump motor start – Inspect the SAS Air Pump and relay.

If you hear the air pump motor start – Check the component that controls the air delivery, such as the Check Valve Solenoid, Check Valve, as well as the rubber shoes, passages and metal piping.

How to Fix

It is important to note that there is a TBS (Technical Service Bulletin) to check and repair this code for a number of GM models. TSB will require replacement for the air pump and the installation of a new secondary injection hose.

Simply replacing the air pump will not always solve the problem, as a matter of fact, it may come back over and over again. When replacing the air pump, it is important to clean the hoses and replace he one-way check valve. For GM models where TSB can apply, it is important to follow the given guidelines. In some cases, people result to putting a small hole in the rubber cover on the pump, keeping water from accumulating and constantly drain them out.

Note that this may still be covered under your vehicle’s emission warranty, so you might want to take advantage of that. Also, if your car is already out of the bumper-to-bumper warranty, check whether the emission warranty is still valid or not.

To get rid of this error code, you can do the following:

  • Replace both the air pumps and the one-way check valve
  • Try and clean the air pump and test it. The one-way air check valve must be replaced as well
  • Replace the inlet hose of the air pump
  • Replace the fuse of the air pump (you can find it under the hood)

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