P0416 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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If you hear a hissing or chugging sound from under the hood, there might be an issue with the AIR pump and hoses along with issues with the air injection system circuit problem, thus leading to OBD code P0416 getting stored in the Powertrain Control Module

It is important to determine the configuration of the SAI (Secondary Air Injection) switching valve circuits for the vehicle in question and the exact location of switching valve B. As a method of reducing harmful exhaust emissions, the SAI system pumps ambient air into the engine exhaust system. Most automotive SAI systems use a belt driven pump to draw-in ambient air, compress it slightly, and inject the pressurized air into the engine exhaust manifolds. One-way valves, switching valves, anti-backfire valves, and bypass valves, controlled by the PCM, are utilized to regulate and distribute air pressure as well as to protect the SAI pump.

The PCM receives voltage input signals from strategically placed pressure sensors to monitor fluctuations in SAI system pressure. When the required parameters are reached, the PCM electronically opens the necessary valves and allows secondary air to be pumped into the exhaust system. Some vehicles are equipped with SAI systems designed with an electronic pump. The PCM monitors pressure sensors and activates the pump when required. If the PCM detects a voltage input signal from the SAI switching valve (designated as B) that is too low or non-existent, a code P0416 will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp may be illuminated.

What causes this problem with the Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve B Circuit Open?

• Burnt or broken wiring and/or connectors in the SAI system
• Frozen SAI pump (in geographic areas of extreme cold climate)
• Defective SAI pump
• Faulty SAI pump relay
• Bad SAI pressure sensor

1. Air Injection Pump - Inspect for faulty air injection pump and replace it at first instance. Buy new air pump now!
2. Air Control Valve Relay - The valve relay can also be damaged causing air intake problems. Replace faulty valve relays. Buy now!
3. Air Injection Check Valve - Faulty check valve may lead to water or moisture entering the pump. Thus, if the valve is faulty/damaged, it’s time to replace it now!
4. Diagnostic Tools - Quality OBD scanner and tools is required to resolve this OBD issue. Buy new diagnostic tools from us.

For us our customers are everything, and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P0416 code by mentioning some important symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

• Check Engine Light On
• Abnormal noises from secondary air injection system
• Engine Stumble or hesitation on acceleration
• Engine Stalling at idle or start-up

After you know the symptoms of your vehicle’s problem, it becomes easy to detect it and get started with solving it. So, next on our list is few common steps to correct this issue with your vehicle.

• Replacing secondary air injection system pump
• Replacing secondary air injection system pump check valves
• Repair/replacement of lines going to and from secondary air injection system pump

Apart from this, you might need to replace other damaged parts too like Air Injection Pump, Indicator Lamp, Check Valve and more. You can easily find all these parts with us. Not only that you can get these parts shipped to your door free, if your cart value happens to exceed $99.

If you want to easily diagnose this fault code, then all you have to do is to follow the steps which are mentioned below:

Diagnosis by inspecting system wiring and connectors and the serpentine belt which drives the pump (if applicable). Repair or replace open circuits as required and retest the system.

If the pump is belt driven, and the belt is missing or otherwise defective, replace it before proceeding. Make sure that the pump will spin freely by hand before replacing the belt. Pump failure is relatively common in high mileage vehicles.

If the SAI pump is driven by an electric motor, I like to check system fuses and relays at this time too. If a visual inspection leads to no obvious malfunctions, connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data. This information may come in handy in my diagnosis, so I like to write it down.

Now, clear the codes and test drive the vehicle to see if the P0416 is reset. Consult your vehicle information source to search technical service bulletins (TSB) for entries that match the code/s and symptom/s exhibited by the vehicle in question. Since TSBs are comprised using data from hundreds-of-thousands of repairs, the information contained therein can be very helpful in reaching a successful diagnosis.

In extreme cold weather conditions, belt driven SAI pumps are prone to lockup due to frozen condensation. Typically, a one-way check valve is integrated into the air inlet hose to prevent condensation from reaching the SAI pump. The one-way check valves fail regularly and permit condensation from the exhaust to enter the SAI pump. Once the condensation freezes, the ice either seizes the SAI pump (belt driven) or causes it to bind and blow a fuse (electric pump).

Use the scanner to actuate the electric SAI pump. Once the pump has been activated, use the DVOM to test voltage and ground at the SAI pump. If no voltage is detected, suspect a blown fuse or a bad power supply relay. If all fuses and relays are good, use the DVOM to check for an open circuit between the power supply source and the pump. Disconnect all related controllers before using the DVOM to check circuit resistance. If there is no ground detected, use your vehicle information source to locate the appropriate ground source and test voltage drop in the circuit.

Test the SAI pressure sensor using the DVOM and specifications located in the vehicle information source that you have chosen. Additional diagnostic notes: Blown fuses are usually a reaction to a shorted circuit and not the source of the malfunction Frozen pumps may be allowed to thaw before use to avoid catastrophic pump damage

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0416 Code

Always follow the correct diagnosis steps to resolve this error and avoid it from returning. Replacing the secondary air injection pump without devising a water drain on the pump housing can lead to repeated failures of the pump. It’s also essential to test one-way check valves for a proper diagnosis.