Secondary Air Injection System Check Engine Light - Case Study / VID





There are many ways this system can fail and cause a CEL...
Here's one way to go about diagnosing the issue and fixing it.
Last edited by C5 Diag; Jul 20, 2025 at 04:46 PM.





https://youtu.be/kQz3g4HIWgs?si=nfTtX1Tx8Mkc8Uxw
I have not seen this one - I'll watch it!
. My wife watches Netflix, I watch Paul(SD), South Main & Pine Hollow auto repair & Shrodinger's box. I love following along and learning from these guys and I have seen your great input all over this forum- thanks again for that!
Toys
There are many ways this system can fail and cause a CEL...
Here's one way to go about diagnosing the issue and fixing it.
https://youtu.be/h1ttFWBYhAo
I cleared the code a couple of times, but unfortunately comes back. I've been hesitant to take it to the dealer, as I don't know if they will actually fix it, and do not want to be taken to the cleaners in the process. I wish that I had a indy Corvette specialist in my area to check this out. Would feel more confident going this route. I live on the Delmarva peninsula, in Maryland...





There are many ways this system can fail and cause a CEL...
Here's one way to go about diagnosing the issue and fixing it.
https://youtu.be/h1ttFWBYhAo
Given the source vacuum was an issue, your customer should have also had issues with the HVAC, specifically air coming from all vents, not being able to switch modes, etc.
Your approach covers 2000-2004, but it is important to at least understand the differences with a 1997-1999.
On a 1997-1999 the shutoff valve that controls air from the pump to the check valves is integrated into the A.I.R. pump. There is a separate relay in the Underhood Electrical Center (#40) that is operated by the PCM to control the shutoff valve.
For the same symptom on a 1997-1999, where the pump runs, but you have no air to the check valves, it’s important to use a test light/load at the pump connector. I have seen numerous times where I have been able to command on relay #40…and read 12v at the connector….yet….it will not energize the shutoff valve solenoid in the pump assembly. Sure enough, connecting a lamp/load does not illuminate. In every case with this situation that I have experienced….relay #40 was bad.
Schematic for 1999 below( same for 1997-1998)…..and 2000 for comparison.
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I do not have all the diagnostics to properly test this particular issue, so if this would correct it, would be great! Otherwise, I'll have to take it somewhere, and I'm wary of taking it to the dealer who will probably just charge me a ton of money without fixing the issue...
I do not have all the diagnostics to properly test this particular issue, so if this would correct it, would be great! Otherwise, I'll have to take it somewhere, and I'm wary of taking it to the dealer who will probably just charge me a ton of money without fixing the issue...
What specific codes do you have?
I read the reply to my question regarding my check engine light, being the secondary air pump system. I believe you stated something about relay #40 being the problem that fixed the issue. If that's correct, I would like to replace that relay first, clear the codes, and see if it comes back. It looks like a can of worms to properly diagnose if the relay isn't the issue. I don't remember the code number, but it said secondary air pump system. I can run it tomorrow, and get that if it helps. I appreciate all the people who took the time to respond to this thread!!
I read the reply to my question regarding my check engine light, being the secondary air pump system. I believe you stated something about relay #40 being the problem that fixed the issue. If that's correct, I would like to replace that relay first, clear the codes, and see if it comes back. It looks like a can of worms to properly diagnose if the relay isn't the issue. I don't remember the code number, but it said secondary air pump system. I can run it tomorrow, and get that if it helps. I appreciate all the people who took the time to respond to this thread!!
I specifically described the differences with a 1997-1999 A.I.R. pump............and you have a 2003
Relay #40 is not applicable to the A.I.R. system on a 2003, and you will find it missing from the 2000 schematic(also applicable to a 2003) I posted.
If you have a P0410 code, why not follow the troubleshooting in the video?.....it's well done.
Last edited by lucky131969; Jul 23, 2025 at 08:22 PM.





Given the source vacuum was an issue, your customer should have also had issues with the HVAC, specifically air coming from all vents, not being able to switch modes, etc.
Your approach covers 2000-2004, but it is important to at least understand the differences with a 1997-1999.
On a 1997-1999 the shutoff valve that controls air from the pump to the check valves is integrated into the A.I.R. pump. There is a separate relay in the Underhood Electrical Center (#40) that is operated by the PCM to control the shutoff valve.
For the same symptom on a 1997-1999, where the pump runs, but you have no air to the check valves, it’s important to use a test light/load at the pump connector. I have seen numerous times where I have been able to command on relay #40…and read 12v at the connector….yet….it will not energize the shutoff valve solenoid in the pump assembly. Sure enough, connecting a lamp/load does not illuminate. In every case with this situation that I have experienced….relay #40 was bad.
Schematic for 1999 below( same for 1997-1998)…..and 2000 for comparison.
I do have one problem with your response however - I am Not sure why you said I did not fix the problem... The vacuum source is still connected to the back of the intake & I confirmed that route is plugged. I provided an alternate source of manifold vacuum to fix the issue and I am certain the manifold does not have a vacuum leak from the back of the manifold.
Regarding the Air Cond. The owner hasn't had the car long enough ( since late last fall & this in Minnesota) so he was not really aware his AC was not functioning as it should. Post repair I confirmed all of the modes of his AC worked properly - although his temp drop seemed a tad low - but not too bad.
Thanks for chiming in and adding valuable info!
Toys
I do have one problem with your response however - I am Not sure why you said I did not fix the problem... The vacuum source is still connected to the back of the intake & I confirmed that route is plugged. I provided an alternate source of manifold vacuum to fix the issue and I am certain the manifold does not have a vacuum leak from the back of the manifold.
To each their own. Both paths get the car on the road, but eventually all the "make it work" items really start to add up with an older car. Part availability and discontinued parts are definitely limiting factors requiring creating solutions. Some folks have started printing their own discontinued parts....which is kinda cool. Your videos are cool. I wish had time to capture all the work I've done like that.









