Can you drive with a bad air injection pump?
The air injection pump, also known as the secondary air injection pump, plays a crucial role in reducing vehicle emissions by injecting fresh air into the exhaust system. While it may not directly affect your ability to drive, a malfunctioning air injection pump can lead to several issues that you should not ignore. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when this component fails and whether it’s safe to continue driving your vehicle.
What Does the Air Injection Pump Do?
The air injection pump is part of your car’s emissions control system. Its primary function is to pump fresh air into the exhaust stream to help burn off excess hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide before they exit the tailpipe. This process ensures your vehicle meets environmental standards and operates efficiently.
What Happens When the Air Injection Pump Fails?
A bad air injection pump can cause several problems, including:
- Increased Emissions: Without the pump functioning properly, your car may emit higher levels of pollutants, which could cause it to fail an emissions test.
- Check Engine Light: A malfunctioning air injection pump often triggers the check engine light, indicating an issue with the emissions system.
- Reduced Engine Performance: In some cases, a bad pump can lead to poor engine performance, such as rough idling or hesitation during acceleration.
- Potential Damage to Other Components: Prolonged issues with the air injection system can strain other parts of the emissions system, leading to more costly repairs.
Can You Drive with a Bad Air Injection Pump?
Technically, you can drive with a bad air injection pump, but it’s not recommended. Here’s why:
- Environmental Impact: Driving with a faulty pump increases your vehicle’s emissions, contributing to air pollution.
- Legal Concerns: In areas with strict emissions regulations, driving a car that fails to meet standards could result in fines or penalties.
- Long-Term Damage: Ignoring the issue can lead to further damage to your car’s emissions system, potentially resulting in more expensive repairs down the line.
What Should You Do If Your Air Injection Pump Fails?
If you suspect your air injection pump is failing, it’s best to address the issue promptly. Here are some steps you can take:
- Get a Diagnosis: Visit a trusted auto repair shop to confirm the problem. A professional mechanic can use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the issue.
- Repair or Replace the Pump: Depending on the severity of the problem, the pump may need to be repaired or replaced. This is a job best left to experienced technicians.
- Check for Related Issues: Ensure that no other components in the emissions system are affected by the faulty pump.
Conclusion
While it may be possible to drive with a bad air injection pump, doing so is not advisable. The potential environmental impact, legal risks, and long-term damage to your vehicle make it essential to address the issue as soon as possible. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing emissions system problems, ensuring your car runs efficiently and meets all regulatory standards. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert assistance!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Can you drive with an injection system failure?
Technically, you can drive with a single point injection system fault — but it's not recommended.
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.
What causes an air injection pump to fail?
Ingress of moisture can cause damage which results in seizure of the pump. Faulty ground and voltage supply can also cause the pump to fail. Blocked or leaking lines can also cause the failure or malfunction of the control or combination valve, resulting in the failure of the secondary air system.
What does deleting secondary air pump do?
This option removed the most obvious air pump components from the engine bay, providing a cleaner appearance and reducing the difficulty and time required to change the LH spark plugs.
What does an air injection pump do on a car?
The SAIS injects oxygen-rich ambient air into the exhaust manifold downstream of exhaust valves. It does this for approximately 30 to 90 seconds to allow the engine to get to operating temperature. The SAIS then shuts off.
Can you drive with a bad injection pump?
Driving with a broken fuel pump inevitably causes significant driving performance issues. For instance, one of the minor issues it causes is lower gas mileage. Plus, prolonged use of the vehicle with a failing pump may cause damage to the engine itself.
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.
What happens if secondary air injection pump 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.
