Air Pump Issue
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Air Pump Issue
I've replaced the air pump twice in the last 4 years on my '99, and believe it may need replaced again as the check engine light came on again. Seems unusual since I've put less than 1,500 miles on the car in that time. I have been told that it is not a critical component and that it only runs on initial startup? Car still runs fine even with the check engine light on. Could it be something else causing the problem like a sticking air valve, bad relay etc? Car has a Blackwing air filter. Can the air pump be disconnected and bypassed altogether? If so how do you clear the codes? The car is emission exempt so passing an emission test is not an issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Starting from the front end...
Are you getting vacuum to the air pump?
Is the fresh air tube from the Blackwing hooked up and no blockages?
The pump itself, I highly doubt you would have 2 break in such a short time without something causing the failure.
Post pump, unless there is a blockage in a line, or both of the valves are sticking I can't see a problem there.
Are you capable of doing some checks?
Are you getting vacuum to the air pump?
Is the fresh air tube from the Blackwing hooked up and no blockages?
The pump itself, I highly doubt you would have 2 break in such a short time without something causing the failure.
Post pump, unless there is a blockage in a line, or both of the valves are sticking I can't see a problem there.
Are you capable of doing some checks?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Starting from the front end...
Are you getting vacuum to the air pump?
Is the fresh air tube from the Blackwing hooked up and no blockages?
The pump itself, I highly doubt you would have 2 break in such a short time without something causing the failure.
Post pump, unless there is a blockage in a line, or both of the valves are sticking I can't see a problem there.
Are you capable of doing some checks?
Are you getting vacuum to the air pump?
Is the fresh air tube from the Blackwing hooked up and no blockages?
The pump itself, I highly doubt you would have 2 break in such a short time without something causing the failure.
Post pump, unless there is a blockage in a line, or both of the valves are sticking I can't see a problem there.
Are you capable of doing some checks?
Probably could do some basic checks, what dp you suggest??
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Codes will tell you if it's the pump or check valve. Typically the check valve behind the heads that is for the passenger side it the problematic one. But as others have said, pull the codes to aid in diagnosis of the problem.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
This is where to start. Scroll up to where it shows pulling codes.
As far as removing the AIR system altogether, I did, many do. It's only a cold start emission item. After about a minute it's off until your next cold start. A tuner can prevent the codes from appearing. If your local laws require it in place however...
Pull all codes, list them here.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
This is where to start. Scroll up to where it shows pulling codes.
As far as removing the AIR system altogether, I did, many do. It's only a cold start emission item. After about a minute it's off until your next cold start. A tuner can prevent the codes from appearing. If your local laws require it in place however...
Pull all codes, list them here.
Thanks, that pretty much answers my question about whether the AIR pump is really needed. I'll get the codes pulled (my friend is a Chevy mechanic) and if it is the pump I'll do as you suggest. Problem with the pump itself is that the replacement is made in Mexico and quality is a concern Plus it is a $300-350 repair at the local Chevy dealer. Rather spend my money on other mods.