GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0418 :  Secondary Air Injection (AIR) Pump Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Pressure Sensor 5-Volt Reference Voltage

P2432

P2432

P2431

P2430, P2431

Pressure Sensor Signal

P2432

P2432

P2433

P2430, P2431

Pressure Sensor Low Reference

--

P2433

--

--

Pump Voltage Supply

P0411

P0411

P2444

--

Pump Ground

--

P0411

--

--

Solenoid Voltage Supply

P0411

P0411

P2440

--

Solenoid Ground

--

P0411

--

--

Pump Relay Coil Voltage Supply

P0411, P0418

P0411, P0418

--

--

Pump Relay Coil Control

P0418, P2444

P0411, P0418

P0418

--

Pump Relay Switch Supply

P0411

P0411

--

--

Solenoid Relay Coil Voltage Supply

P0411, P0412

P0411, P0412

--

--

Solenoid Relay Coil Control

P0412, P2440

P0411, P0412

P0412

--

Solenoid Relay Switch Supply

P0411

P0411

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

AIR Pressure Sensor

Circuit

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Key ON, Engine OFF

5-Volt Reference Voltage

BARO

41 kPa

41 kPa

111 kPa

Pressure Sensor Signal

BARO

42 kPa

41 kPa

150 kPa

Low Reference

BARO

BARO

145 kPa

BARO

Circuit/System Description

The secondary air injection (AIR) system aids in the reduction of hydrocarbon emissions during a cold start. The system forces fresh filtered air into the exhaust stream in order to accelerate the catalyst operation. An electric air pump, the secondary AIR injection pump, provides filtered air on demand to the AIR control solenoid valve/pressure sensor assembly. The AIR control solenoid valve/pressure sensor assembly controls the flow of air from the AIR pump to the exhaust manifold. The AIR valve relay supplies the current needed to operate the AIR control solenoid valve/pressure sensor assembly. A pressure sensor is used to monitor the air flow from the AIR pump. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies the internal pressure sensor with a 5-volt reference, an electrical ground, and a signal circuit.

The AIR diagnostic uses 3 phases to test the AIR system:

  1. DTCs P0411 and P2430 run during Phase 1.
  2. DTCs P2430 and P2440 run during Phase 2.
  3. DTC P2444 runs during Phase 3.

During phase 1, both the AIR pump and the solenoid valve are activated. Normal secondary air function occurs. Expected system pressure is 8-10 kPa above barometric pressure (BARO).

During phase 2, only the AIR pump is activated. The solenoid valve is closed. Pressure sensor performance and solenoid valve deactivation are tested. Expected system pressure is 20-25 kPa above BARO.

During phase 3, neither the AIR pump nor the solenoid valve is activated. AIR pump deactivation is tested. Expected system pressure equals BARO.

In all 3 phases, testing is accomplished by comparing the measured pressure against the expected pressure. The PCM can detect faults in the AIR pump, AIR control solenoid valve/pressure sensor assembly, and the exhaust check valve. The pressure sensor can also detect leaks and restrictions in the secondary AIR system plumbing.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The system voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • This DTC runs on a 100 ms loop.
    • DTC P0418 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The actual and expected states of the AIR pump relay control circuit do not match.
    • The condition exists for at least 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0418 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0418 is a type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs
    •  Electrical Center Identification Views

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, enable and disable the AIR pump with a scan tool while observing that the AIR pump relay operates.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the pump relay.
  2. Ignition ON, connect a test lamp between the positive terminal at the battery and the relay control circuit terminal 85.
  3. Command the relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  4. If the test lamp is always ON, test the relay control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the relay control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
  5. Connect a 30A fused jumper wire between the positive voltage terminal at the battery and the pump voltage supply circuit terminal 87 and verify pump activation.
  6. If the pump does not activate, test the pump voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the pump.
  7. Ignition ON, connect a 30A fused jumper wire between the relay switch voltage supply circuit terminal 30 and the pump voltage supply circuit terminal 87 and verify pump activation.
  8. If the pump does not activate, test the relay switch voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and its fuse is open or test all connected components and replace as necessary.
  9. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil voltage supply circuit terminal 86 and ground.
  10. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the affected relay coil voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and its fuse is open or test all connected components and replace as necessary.
  11. If all circuits and the PCM test normal, test or replace the relay.

Component Testing

Relay Test

  1. Test between the normally-closed switch terminals, if any, for 0 ohms.
  2. Test between the normally-open switch terminals for infinite ohms.
  3. Test between each switch terminal and either coil terminal for infinite ohms.
  4. Connect the relay coil terminals to ground and fused power to energize the relay.
  5. Test between each switch terminal and each coil terminal for 0 volts.
  6. Test between the normally-closed switch terminals, if any, for infinite ohms.
  7. Test between the normally-open switch terminals for 0 ohms.

Repair Instructions

Control Module References for control module replacement and programming

Repair Verification

With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, enable and disable the AIR pump with a scan tool while observing that the pump relay operates.