Your vehicle contains a secondary air injection system that is used to pump fresh air into the exhaust to warm the catalytic converter. This system helps to minimize the emission of exhaust gases. This technology was introduced in 1966. When your powertrain control module (PCM) detects an issue with the secondary air injection system, it triggers the P0410 code. This article explains the P0410 code symptoms, its causes, and how to fix it.
P0410 Code Definition
P0410 code stands for “Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction.”
What Does the P0410 Code Mean?
The P0410 code indicates that your powertrain control module (PCM) detects an issue with the secondary air injection system.
A secondary air injection system is installed to pump the fresh air into the exhaust to warm the catalytic converter and minimize the emission of the exhaust gases.
The secondary air injection system contains special hoses, a non-return valve, and an air pump, all of which must work according to the requirements to achieve maximum operational efficiency. The air pump is used to inject air into the exhaust, which helps to lower the emission of the exhaust gases.
When the oxygen sensor doesn’t detect an increase in the O2 level in the exhaust while the secondary air injection system is working, it sends a signal to the PCM about an issue with the secondary air injection system. When the PCM detects an issue with the secondary air injection system, it triggers the P0410 trouble code.
Symptoms of P0410 Code
An illuminated check engine light is one of the most common symptoms of the P0410 code.
Following are some other symptoms of the P0410:
- Rough idle
- Check engine light is flashing
- Poor engine performance
- Acceleration issues
- Hard to start the engine
- Extreme noise from the air pump
- Emission test failure
- Poor fuel economy
Read More: Causes of Check Engine Light Flashing
Causes of P0410 Code
The P0410 code is caused by one or more of the following issues:
- Bad air pump
- Faulty air pump relay
- Blown air injection fuse
- Faulty air pump check valve
- Clogged air injection system
- Disconnected air injection hoses
- Bad O2 sensor
- Bad EGR valve
How to diagnose the P0410 Code?
Use the following tools to diagnose the P0410 code:
- Auto Repair Manual
- OBD-II Scanner
- Multimeter
- Electrical Contact Cleaner
- Basic Hand Tools
Follow the below-given steps to diagnose the P0410 code:
- First of all, scan all the stored codes in the PCM memory using an OBD-II scanner.
- Use the freeze data for further examination.
- Now clear the stored codes and perform a test driver. If the P0410 code returns, then perform the following steps.
- Retest your air injection system.
- Inspect the oxygen sensors. If any of your sensors are damaged, replace them.
- Inspect the wiring and electrical connections to the air injection system.
- Use a scanner to check the working of the O2 sensor PID; if the sensor reacts when the air injection pump is turned on, the sensor should go below 150 mv within 3 seconds.
- Inspect the fuse of the air injection pump. Replace the fuse if it is damaged or blown.
- Inspect the vacuum system for a leak.
- Inspect the air injection pump relay.
- Check the voltage of the air injection pump by using a multimeter.
- Test the PCM using a scan tool.
Common P0410 Code Diagnostic Mistakes
- Not checking the codes stored in the system memory.
- Replacing the air pump without inspecting the air pump fuse.
- Replacing the air pump without checking the air injection system wiring and connectors.
- Not checking the air injection pump relay for burnt wire connections before replacing a bad air injection pump.
What repairs can fix the P0410 Code?
Repair one or more of the following repairs to fix the P0410 code:
- Replacing the bad secondary air injection system
- Replacing the bad air pump
- Replacing the blown fuse of the air pump
- Replacing the faulty relay of the air pump
- Replacing the bad check valve
- Replacing the bad O2 sensor
- Replacing or repairing the damaged air injection hoses
- Cleaning the clogged intake filter of the air injection pump
- Replacing the faulty EGR valve
P0410 Code Repair Cost
The repair cost of the trouble code P0410 varies according to the vehicle model, your living area, and labor cost. To fix this code, you need one or more of the below-given repairs:
| Parts | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Injection pump fuse replacement | $10 to $20 |
| Injection pump relay replacement | $40 to $110 |
| Air pump installation | $540 to $710 |
| Bad EGR valve replacement | $180 to $1200 |
| Catalytic converter replacement | $830 to $1,800 |
| Oxygen sensor replacement | $130 to $600 |
How serious is the P0410 Code?
The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0410 is not a critical code because it mainly affects the ability of your car to pass emissions tests. This code indicates a problem with the air injection pump system.
The air injection pump system helps to reduce the emissions of the exhaust. With a bad air injection pump system, your vehicle can’t pass the emissions test. In some countries, you can’t drive your vehicle without passing the emission test.
How to prevent the P0410 code from triggering?
Follow the following control measures to prevent the P0410 code from triggering:
- Use high-quality fuel
- Maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Ensure the proper cleaning of the secondary air injection system’s components
- Ensure regular oil changes.
FAQ Section
Can I drive with a P0410 Code?
Yes, you can drive with a p0410 code. However, you can’t pass an emission test with this code. This code indicates an issue with the air injection system. The air injection system assists in reducing the emissions of exhaust gases. Exhaust gases are very dangerous to the atmosphere. However, driving with the P0410 code for an extended period may cause the engine’s internal parts to fail. Therefore, you should fix this code as soon as possible.
What are the causes of bad secondary air injection?
- Bad air pump
- Bad control valve
- Damaged hoses and lines
- Bad sensor
- Bad control circuit
Is code P0410 serious?
The severity rate of the P0410 code depends on the relevant issues. Therefore, this code should not be taken lightly. Ignoring it may cause more severe issues and lead to increased emissions. Therefore, it’s essential to take action and resolve the P0410 code as soon as possible to ensure the efficient performance of your vehicle.
What happens if the secondary air injection pump fails?
When the secondary air injection pump goes bad, it produces one of the below-given symptoms:
- A reduction in the engine power
- Engine stalling
- Idling issues
- Failed emission test
- Check engine light illumination
- Bad catalytic converter
What are the Symptoms of P0410 Mercedes?
- Check engine light is flashing
- Poor acceleration
- Acceleration issues
- Hard to start the vehicle’s engine
- Extreme noise from the air pump
- Emission test failure
- Poor fuel economy
Can I drive with a faulty secondary air injection pump?
Technically, it is possible to drive a vehicle with a bad secondary air injection pump. However, it is recommended to fix it as soon as possible. Driving with a bad secondary air injection pump may lead to the failure of different costly parts of your engine.