AIR System Insufficient Flow Bank 1
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
Less air than expected reaches the bank 1 exhaust at a cold start.
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
- May fail the emissions test
Possible causes
- Secondary air pump fuse or relay
- Leaking pipe between the pump and the valve
- Faulty combination valve
- Cylinder head passages clogged with soot
Checks for the garage
- Check the pump relay and fuse
- Check the pipes and valve for leaks or soot
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.