Tool Tip: Code P0411 – Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Air Flow Detected – UnderhoodService

Tool Tip: Code P0411 – Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Air Flow Detected

The AIR solenoid is a normally closed solenoid. When the AIR solenoid is energized, the valve opens and air passes into the exhaust system. The AIR air pressure sensor operates similar to a manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP) with different values.

Vehicle Application:
2005 Lacrosse 3.8  
2006 Grand Prix 3.8, Ion-2 2.2, Ion-3 2.2, Lacrosse 3.8, Lucerne 4.6
2007 Grand Prix 3.8, Impala 3.5, Monte Carlo 3.5
2008 Grand Prix 3.8, Impala 3.5
2009 Impala 3.5

Customer Concern: Code P0411; Secondary Air Injection (AIR) system incorrect air flow detected.

Potential Causes:
Air Injection Reaction (AIR) Solenoid
Air Pump Assembly

Fuse

Tests/Procedures:

1. Watch the AIR solenoid pressure sensor voltage on the scan tool. If there is no scan tool support, backprobe the white wire at the AIR solenoid and measure the voltage to ground. With the pump and AIR solenoid off, the value should be close to 2.5-2.7 volts.
2. Command only the pump on with the scan tool. The voltage should rise to about 3.3 volts. This is a deadhead test of the AIR system.
3. Command the pump and the AIR solenoid on. The voltage should be about to 2.9 volts. This is the normal operating pressure as the system is pushing air into the exhaust manifold.
4. If the voltage is the same in step 3 as it was in step 2, confirm there is power and ground at the AIR solenoid.
5. If OK, check for air coming out of the solenoid with the pump and solenoid commanded on or listen for air flow at the tailpipe.
6. If there is air coming to the solenoid, but not through it when energized, the solenoid is defective.

Tech Tips:
The AIR solenoid is a normally closed solenoid. When the AIR solenoid is energized, the valve opens and air passes into the exhaust system. The AIR air pressure sensor operates similar to a manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP) with different values.

Courtesy of Identifix

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