Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected
Some petrol engines blow air into the exhaust for the first minute after a cold start, with a pump and a valve, so the catalyst warms up sooner.
What the car has detected
The air the system blows at a cold start is not the expected amount: the pump, the valve or the pipes are failing.
It does not affect how the car drives, but cold-start emissions rise and it may fail the inspection. Have it checked when you can.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Air pump noise at a cold start, or none at all
Possible causes
- Faulty secondary air pump
- Secondary air pipes or valve clogged with soot
- Faulty pump relay or solenoid valve
Checks for the garage
- Test the pump with the diagnostic tool
- Check the pipes and valve for soot
- Check the pump relay and fuse
Next step
Ask for the secondary air pump, its fuse and relay, the valve and the pipes, which often clog with soot, to be checked.
You can keep using the car and book a visit without hurry.