Loading

Can you drive a car with a bad air injection pump?

The short answer is no, you should not drive a car with a bad air injection pump. The air injection pump is a critical component of a vehicle's emissions control system, and driving with a malfunctioning pump can lead to serious problems, including failed emissions tests, engine damage, and even safety issues.


What is an Air Injection Pump?


The air injection pump is a component of a vehicle's emissions control system. Its primary function is to pump additional air into the exhaust system, which helps to further oxidize any unburnt fuel and reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the environment.


Why is the Air Injection Pump Important?


The air injection pump plays a crucial role in ensuring that a vehicle's emissions meet regulatory standards. If the pump is not functioning correctly, it can lead to the following issues:



  • Increased Emissions: Without the additional air provided by the pump, the exhaust system may not be able to fully oxidize all the unburnt fuel, resulting in higher levels of harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

  • Engine Damage: A malfunctioning air injection pump can cause unburnt fuel to build up in the exhaust system, leading to overheating and potential damage to the catalytic converter and other exhaust components.

  • Failed Emissions Tests: Most states require vehicles to pass emissions tests, and a faulty air injection pump can cause a vehicle to fail these tests, resulting in fines or the inability to register the vehicle.

  • Safety Concerns: In some cases, a bad air injection pump can cause the engine to run rough or stall, which could potentially lead to unsafe driving conditions.


For these reasons, it is generally not recommended to drive a car with a bad air injection pump. If you suspect that your vehicle's air injection pump is malfunctioning, it is important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.


Conclusion


In summary, driving a car with a bad air injection pump is not advisable, as it can lead to increased emissions, engine damage, failed emissions tests, and potential safety issues. If you notice any problems with your vehicle's air injection system, it is best to have it inspected and repaired by a professional to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your car.

Is it bad to drive with that bad air injection pump?


However, doing so is not advised. This stems from the fact that a faulty secondary injection pump can cause a host of drivability-related issues, most of which can vary significantly in severity, on a case-by-case basis.



How much does it cost to fix an air injection system?


The average cost for an Air Injection System Control Valve Replacement is between $544 and $589. Labor costs are estimated between $170 and $215 while parts are typically priced around $374. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.



What are the symptoms of a bad air injection check valve?


Common symptoms of a bad AIR check valve include:

  • Illuminated Check Engine Light.
  • Increased Tailpipe Emissions.
  • Damage to Other Parts of the AIR System.



What does an air injection pump do on a car?


Secondary air injection (commonly known as air injection) is a vehicle emissions control strategy introduced in 1966, wherein fresh air is injected into the exhaust stream to allow for a fuller secondary combustion of exhaust gases.



How important is a secondary air injection pump?


These systems provided oxygen to oxidize (burn) unburned and partially burned fuel in the exhaust before its ejection from the tailpipe. There was significant unburned and partially burned fuel in the exhaust of 1960s and early 1970s vehicles, and so secondary air injection significantly reduced tailpipe emissions.



Can you drive with a bad injection pump?


No, you can't drive it. Because the fuel pump carries fuel from the Fuel tank to the car engine for combustion if the fuel pump is blocked or broken then there will be no fuel supply to the car engine for combustion.



Can a car run without secondary air injection?


Which begs the question: Does a car need a secondary air injection system to run? Strictly speaking, no, it doesn't.



What happens when an air injection fails?


The failed secondary air injection pump can cause fluctuation in power. For instance, in one minute your vehicle is performing well and in the other minute, you may face a drop in revs. Thus, you need to replace the pump to avoid continuous engine stalls and ensure a smooth drive.



Can you drive with an injection system failure?


It might be risky to drive with a damaged fuel injector since it could cause your car to stall out or catch fire quickly. Hence, if you notice a fuel injector problem, it's important to get your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.



What happens if the injection pump goes bad?


No Power at All
The engine may misfire or fail to start altogether if the fuel injector pump isn't working.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.