P0418 Secondary Air Injection System Relay A Malfunction
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Secondary Air Injection System Relay A Circuit Malfunction
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles (Dodge, Ram, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, VW, Toyota, etc.). Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
When I come across a stored code P0418, I know that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in a secondary air injection (SAI) system relay circuit. The A designation denotes either the only relay or a particular relay if there are multiple in a system.
Modern automobiles use SAI systems as a method of reducing harmful exhaust emissions with the introduction of ambient air into the engine exhaust system. SAI designs include either a belt driven pump or an electric pump to draw-in ambient air, compress it slightly, and inject the pressurized air into the engine exhaust manifolds. The PCM electronically controls one-way valves, switching valves, anti-backfire valves, and bypass valves to regulate and distribute air pressure and protect the SAI pump.
Fluctuations in SAI system pressure are monitored by the PCM using voltage input signals from one or more pressure sensors. When SAI pressure falls below a certain degree, the PCM electronically opens the necessary valves and allows secondary air to be pumped into the exhaust system. Engine temperature, engine RPM, and vehicle speed are also considered in SAI pump activation.
In vehicles that are equipped with electric pumps, the PCM monitors SAI pressure sensors and activates the pump when required. The system relay serves to transfer battery voltage from the fuse panel or fusible link to the SAI pump.
If the PCM detects a voltage input signal from the SAI relay (designated as A) circuit that indicates a malfunction has occurred, a code P0418 will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp may be illuminated.
Other secondary air injection system trouble codes include P0410, P0411, P0412, P0413, P0414, P0415, P0416, P0417, P0419, P041F, P044F, P0491, and P0492.
Code Severity & Symptoms
There is no need to address a stored code P0418 with great urgency. The SAI system is associated only to exhaust emission reduction and is not essential to engine operation.
Symptoms of this code may include:
Frequently, there are no symptoms exhibited with a stored code P0418 No SAI pump activationCauses
Potential causes for this code to set are:
Defective SAI pump relay Shorted wiring, components, and/or connectors in the SAI system Defective SAI pump Blown SAI system fusesDiagnostic and Repair Procedures
In order to accurately diagnose a code P0418, a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable vehicle information source (like All Data DIY) will be required.
Inspect system wiring, connectors, and the serpentine belt which drives the pump (if applicable) to begin your diagnosis. Repair or replace burnt, corroded, or damaged circuits as required and retest the system. Check system fuses and relays at this time if the SAI pump is driven by an electric motor.
Proceed by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data, should your visual inspection indicate no obvious malfunctions. You will want to write this information down because it may come in handy later. Next, clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the P0418 is reset.
Find technical service bulletin (TSB) entries that match the code/s and symptom/s exhibited by the vehicle in question using your vehicle information source. The data from hundreds-of-thousands of repairs is used to make up TSBs and the information containe
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