How to Diagnose The Secondary Air Injection Pump System on a VW Passat

How to Diagnose the Secondary Air Injection Pump and other components of the air injection system on a VW Passat.

[@dgkallday897747]

11 years later I think this is going to fix my issue.. I'm throwing the exact p0411 code I just replaced tcm and neutral position switch this is my last gremlin thank you!!!

[@johne6081]

My recent SAI system adventure (B5 generation Passat 1.8T): 1) check engine light ==> "incorrect air flow" 2) checked for vacuum or pressure leaks ==> none found 3) replaced combi valve ==> (it was pretty carboned-up) ==> no more check engine light, but smog test readiness monitor would not set 4) checked for vacuum at combi valve control input port during cold start, when pump was running ==> no vacuum detected (oops!) 5) replaced SAI control solenoid valve (under intake manifold) ==> ready for smog test after 10-mile loop including 3 cold starts, accelerations and decelerations from about 45 mph

[@rachaelwillis6028]

Best video I have found yet to fix my problem! Thank you so much!

[@Stanimal62]

Excellent, I would never have known about what the sound was, thank you, now I know the pump turns on.

[@giacomof1182]

Your videos have helped me so much. Thank you!

[@biddybang7385]

Very detailed and good description for what’s where I haven’t been able to find the relay for the dang thing for awhile and I just bought a pump so it looks like I’m gonna be testing a relay before I put that pump in may save some money

[@myRatchets]

The combi valve on these cars is basically the EGR on other cars, this 2.8L has two of them located at the back of each cylinder head. If you suspect them being bad a cleaning sometimes helps. GL

[@ugsisr]

My mounting bolts broke and the hose broke... When it rained the car rain horrible for the first 20 minutes..After that it as fine...Good video...I subscribed. Thank You

[@kimberlyquintanilla5493]

You seem very knowledgeable about car repairs. I think my Yukon is haaving that exact issue. Its sounds exactly like this video. But I wish you could use a flashlight to pinpoint objects, I not a mechanic so it was hard for me to see exactly what you're pointing. But awesome video! Going to look at more of yours.

[@Masterked]

thank you this video really helps

[@colinchandler6516]

thanks your video was helpful

[@myRatchets]

sorry I dont have the car anymore, but one hose from the pump goes to your air filter and one goes to a metal pipe towards the center of the engine area. Hope that hleps. oh and your local auto parts store its not going to have it, its either stealership or online. GL

[@myRatchets]

I dont know exactly how long it needs to run but it should be more than 3-4 seconds. if its less I would replace the pump but before doing that make sure all the plastic tubings going in and out of the pump are in good condition. Sometimes it requires very close inspection. GL

[@danielsimpson8929]

Dang you've come along way!

[@jaybodin2806]

Thanks for the video… it helped me diagnose that my air pump on 2001.5 Passat 1.8T was dead. I'd reset engine light and it would illuminate again after 100+ miles. Swapped air pump out with one from 2000 Jetta (75 bucks at auto wrecker… I tried to negotiate, but they tested with a battery in front of me and I wanted it that day… so probably paid way too much. I wish had been patient & ordered a new one online from China for less.) Anyway, now engine light comes on again after only 50 miles. I had a mechanic who doesn't specialize in VW do the repair, but it seemed like a pretty straight forward job. Any suggestion why the engine light would come on sooner now that I replaced the pump? Would spaying hose connections with soapy water help find if there was an air leak?

[@myRatchets]

no, take out the plastic piece that covers your battery (the whole piece) you should see your cabin air filter there, change it and it should help.

[@ROGERS_A]

Thank you.

[@jaystrosky]

just want to say thanks got a lot from this video. have an 03 passat 2.8 and seems like the air pump runs constantly could that be a cracked hose?

[@cstam105]

+RatchetsAnd Wrenches I have the P0491 and P0492 codes and and the car is running rough when slowing down or stopping. Would this be related to the air system?

[@lomeli1993]

Hi there I have a question I have a 2000 audi a4 2.8 and I have a check engine light with codes p1411 and p1423 which both say insufficient flow to bank 1 and bank 2 but I can't seem to find the problem. I checked the fuse and it's good, I also checked the relay with a multimeter and gave it power with a drill battery and it checked out, I heard the relay click and it also showed no resistance. I also checked the pump with a power supply and the pump works and turn on. I can't seem to figure out the problem and was wondering if you can help me out and point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance. And great videos!

[@JohnDoe-gm5qr]

How similar would this be for a Jetta with a 2.5? I have a code for the air flow and the car does sound different on startup. My Jetta had some damage to the front bumper but was still driveable. I need to see if that pump was damaged or the hose was damaged or the pump didn't get plugged in. There might also be a fuse for that pump too but good luck finding it without a chart. If you decide to check fuses, take a good photo of them first to save yourself from some grief. That way they will be in the correct spaces again after you are done.

[@cstam105]

+RatchetsAnd Wrenches if the pump comes on the relay is still good right? Could it be the solenoid giving off the P0491/P0492 codes?

[@myRatchets]

You'll need to erase the codes by a scanner or you can just disconnect the battery for 5 minutes. GL

[@wah2oboy]

Thanks for the information very helpful. One question my pump works but also cycles on and of while car is turned off. I have not got a bad code. Does this seem to be a rely problem? or Pump?

[@jasonkinter9700]

Wish someone would have answered this question. I'm having same problem and my battery dies.

[@tramp4270]

hey RatchetsAnd Wrenches I've noticed you helping other people out with Passats ,was wondering if you could help me out with mine super fast? I have a 99 Passat V6 and when I turn it on it runs and idles for about a minute (from a cold start) and when it gets to a certain point about a minute later it'll die like its running out of something, maybe air? I'm not too sure but was wondering if you think the diagnosis' in this video would help my problem? or do you think it's something else? thank you for your time!

[@kimoda9451]

hi, thanks for the video. i have 2005 golf, and i think i have similar issue. i am curious whether the air pump or even sensor has to be VW original part? i won't be doing the work myself, but am just curious! wish i could go to a 'pick your part' or send the mechanic!! thanks!

[@russianpueblo]

Hi I have a question if you can help. Today I was driving my 2004 passat up to flagstaff, AZ, while gaining altitude the CEL came on and pulled p0411 code, the autozone guy told be it's a common code when gaining altitude while your can dosent get enough air. He told me to replace the air filter, is that true? Can that help or not? Thank you

[@602nelsonjacob]

I have a 03 passat 1.8t and have the same issue. I have no check engine light though? is it because it's cold and is warming up? I notice it does it only in the mornings

[@felizrodriguez1087]

I have the same problem on a 2006 New Beetle, I tested the pump and Kombi Valve and the both work, but the pump does not come on when it is in the car. There are no leaks and the relay works. I need help locating the fuse for the pump.

[@johnnycolorado4698]

I had a problem with my 2003 passat and this was one of the issues as well as the range sensor i replace and fixed the problem disconnected the battery for 5 mintues which made the car turn off the check engine light but when i took it to get it smog they said it still has the same problems any idea

[@ayberkvergul9654]

I have the same car and I just got that code today... Is it a big deal or can we just let it run like that ? I might change my car in couple months.

[@russianpueblo]

Hi can a dirty filter be the problem

[@Metal2theBone1]

I need the secondary air inject system relay relay A how do you get the relay number or part number? my it's an 03 VW beetle 2door hatchback 2.0 engine

[@Alex-jp3ek]

Hey man my c280 benz keeps coming up as P0410 I switched my relay & my air pump. It pops up as “control valve” so is that the hose ? Or the actual air injection control valve ?

[@Itsdaada]

Hey mate ! My Passat 2003. 1.8T is leaking and i also have the code P0411 for the secondary air pump injection. On my car, i dont hear that kind of noise. When i drive its really really smooth but its leaking. Do you know why ? Maybe its the hose ?

[@Matamoros01]

Hello, in my case when I start the car in the morning or in the afternoon after leaving it off for a few hours, it makes the same sound, but I out of curiosity when performing the scan with the VAGCOM gave me an error P0411, the truth is I don't know what it might be I have a 2004 Audi A4 1.8t B6, which you advise me to make.

[@dianapaulsen2011]

I replaced my maf sensor because it was running really ruff and would cut off on me when slowing down or stopping..my car doesn't have a airbox and there is a hose missing off the secondary air pump that goes to the box..so I'm assuming its my air pump that is bad..

[@dianapaulsen2011]

I have a 01 passat..and there is a hose missing on my air pump..went to auto parts place because my engine light was on and I got a p0411 code...looked all that up and seen your video and wanted to know if you can send me a pic on how and where the hoses go from air pump..

[@Kayroseky]

I got a lot of gunk in my venting system, does this have to do anything withit?

[@Don_DeMarco]

My 2007 Lexus GX470 needs the Secondary Air Injection pump replaced. Granted mine hasn't gotten this bad, but I know it will if I don't replace it soon enough.

[@jasonkinter9700]

Help!! My SAI on 2003 Passat won't turn off. I have to disconnect my battery after I turn the car off every single time. It just runs and runs. Sometimes I get lucky and it'll shut off and I won't hear it for a day or so, but most of the time it is on 24/7 unless battery disconnected. Clearly it is getting power and clearly it works because it sounds like a loud healthy vacuum. But why isn't it shutting off? Please any info will be helpful. I can disconnect the fuse or relay if I know where and which one, but will that be good enough?

[@johne6081]

That pump is a lot louder than mine.

[@AWSOME67860]

Did you get an An underboost code

[@myRatchets]

The secondary air injection pump shouldnt cause stalling issues, fuel pump module maybe but obviously they misdiagnosed it the first time. I would go and get a second opinion elsewhere.

[@karencrowe5439]

If I brought my car to you After I lost all the oil as a result of the coolant box separating from the housing- what would you check for engine damage first?

[@robertocommander2153]

KAREN#1 CROWE just throw the car away

[@fockyoumang]

I don't have anything wrong with my air pump on my 02 gti 1.8t AWP engine. But the hoses coming from the air pump aren't attached to anything. There's an aftermarket child air intake. The house is down near the lower radiator hose and I don't know I'd it ess attached to anything but my car was make over 300whp on just 10lbs of boost and I bottomed out the front of the car coming out of a parking lot then it started to feel like it was breaking up but it was more like it was boosting then you would hear the bov even though I didn't let off the gas our hit the clutch. And the only thing I can see that is out of place is that secondary air pump hose. It does make a winning sound on a cold start. Idk what the he'll is wrong with it

[@MilesDatdude]

If I fix this myself will the check engine light go out automatically or do I need to do something to turn the light off?

[@alikilicaslan6045]

Gotta delete the code. Mine threw it today cruising down the highway so i deleted the code. Gotta see now if it’ll reappear. Mid comment i noticed im 7 years late. Hope you found an answer long time ago.

[@pamkaturi]

Does a defective air pump causes the car not to run in drive? my car does not run faster than 30mph, but it I set it in 4 gear(automatic) and it runs ok. Any advice will be appreciated.

[@myRatchets]

No a bad air pump wont do that, sounds like something's going on with the transmission. Also sometimes the car goes into limp mode when it detects a problem with some components, I would get the car checked out for codes and go from there. GL

[@SalvadorSTMZ]

Air pump is working. Combi valve is working. No leaks in the hoses. What else could cause the issue?

[@jay77782]

What if the pump has no power coming from the cars wiring harness

[@akytoy28]

I need u to be my mechanic,,my passat fail inspection

[@HoodReviews]

What if your car makes loud noise only when it's cold, and when you turn it off it goes silent. My reader also says p0491

[@MrJba1234]

wow

[@vitablogs3458]

What are the symptoms? Rough idle? Poor performance?

[@ShangTsungg]

hey RatchetsAnd Wrenches you seem to know about Passats . I have an 03 Passat and the check engine is on . I went to go get it check out and The mechanic told me it was the air pump . I got it replace and he told me that the check engine light is still going to be on until I drive it for 100 miles then it will turn off .. is this true or not .? I got it checked by autozone after he replaced it and autozone told me its my air pump as well

[@4literbeater94]

Without a diagnostic tool, best way to the clear code is to disconnect the battery. If the code comes back, I would raise hell.

[@myRatchets]

Gabii Sepulveda 1st get a different mechanic, because he was probably unsure about his diagnoses of the pump at best, or he reset the cel and it came back right away because it wasnt the pump and rather something else related at worse! But do what 4literbeater said next. GL

[@christhefreakkid]

can this cause cylinder misfire?

[@woeshdad]

no

[@jaswashburn]

How do you tell if it is the pump, or if it is the relay that is bad?

[@1MNUTZ]

supply 12 volts to the pump connector and if it runs the pump is good if not then the relay is bad

[@MrJba1234]

I thought this was a vacuum leak. 1:00 AM baked research

[@edgaraguirre547]

Is ok to drive the car, even tho the sound goes away. Iam going to fix just asking dont have time at the moment..

[@dschubie]

It is fine to drive without. This is mainly an emissions problem.

[@simonmller9612]

my mk5 golf tdi sounds like a faint vacuum cleaner at idle but i dont get any codes or check engine light? should i fix this ?

[@joeshmoe5935]

Buddy had leaking coolant reservoir. I told him that was his over heat problem. After arguing with me, he changed it problem gone. Now I am certain beyond a doubt he never put G12 ( got prestone anti Freeze after repair and emptying out the system) in there or flushed it like I told him. Will having wrong solution cause overheat problem within 3 months?

[@openheimer1316]

I also have this P0411 problem on my 2003 passat AWT. The pump does not work at all, actualy there is no power coming to the pump, is there any fuse for pump power suply or something?

[@brandonaguilar2926]

hey I have the same issue but I have my check engine light on a 2001 Jetta 1.8t. have you fixed the issue?

[@dianapaulsen2011]

Because I am still getting the same code p0411

[@thesneakerbully9530]

will the secondary air pump cause the car to stall

[@Croppcircles]

You mentioned a combi valve ? could you get into a little more about that please ?

[@alextorres9060]

My 2003 vw gti 1.8t don't make that sound but I'm getting p0411 can somebody help me out on this

[@rafaelfrias2]

Why don’t you show how to test the pump and relay?

[@DavidMudge]

I've had this noise for about a year now but it has never triggered a warning light so as far as I can tell the pump is still working.. If the pump does go as I understand it, it's not critical to get it fixed anyway?? Car will still start and run fine without it?

[@myRatchets]

David Mudge If it is indeed coming from the pump, and the pump goes yes its not critical to get it fixed right away but you should since it may put and extra strain on your catalytic converters during startups and also you'll get a engine light and fail state emissions if you have it where you live. GL

[@la-ia1404]

Get a hairdryer and replace it.

[@karencrowe5439]

where's the combo valve