GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Purpose

The Secondary Air Injection System (AIR) aids in the reduction of first and second cycle hydrocrabon emissions. During open-loop fuel control, air is injected into the exhaust stream for a specified amount of time. Heat generated from post-combustion oxidation helps the catalytic converter reach operating termperature sooner (referred to as converter light off). The following conditions determine pump operation and run time:

    • Start up ECT and IAT must be between 15°C -110°C (59°F - 230°F).
    • If ECT sensor signal indicates an engine temperature greater than 70°C, total pump ON time is 40 seconds.
    • If ECT sensor signal indicates an engine termperature less than 70°C. total pump ON time is 100 seconds.

Secondary Air Injection Pump and Internal Shut-off Valve

The electric air pump replaces the earlier mechanical air injection pumps. The pump is permanently lubricated and requires no periodic maintenance. The pump contains an internal, solenoid actuated, shut-off valve. Wnen the PCM energizes the AIR system relay, battery voltage is supplied to the pump motor and internal shut-off valve. A remotely mounted air filter protects the pump, internal shut-off valve, and other system components from contaminants in the outside air.

Secondary Air Injection Bleed-off Valve

A remotely mounted Bleed-off valve releases vacuum in the AIR system. The valve is similar in construction and operation to the Evaporative Purge Control Solenoid. As the mass flow of the exhaust gases pass the injection piping, a venturi vacuum effect occurs. The vacuum is strong enough to hold the internal shut-off valve closed when the PCM commands the secondary air ON. An inline check valve prevents air from escaping through the bleed valve when the pump is commanded ON.

Secondary Air Injection Check Valves

Check valves remain the same as those used in earlier AIR systems. The valves are made of heat and corrosion resistant material. Located in the AIR piping to each bank, check valves prevent exhaust backflow when AIR is commanded OFF or an exhaust backfire occurs.

Secondary Air Injection Hoses, Clamps, and Pipes

AIR hoses are made of heat resistant, non-reinforced rubber. Clamps, designed for high temperature conditions, connect the hoses to the pump and check valve/pipe assemblies of each cylinder bank. The air injection pipes, connected to the exhaust manifolds, are high temperature, corrosion resistant stainless steel.

Operation

The Secondary Air Injection Reaction (AIR) system is controlled by the PCM. During open loop fuel control, the PCM energizes the AIR system relay. Battery voltage is supplied to the AIR pump, internal shut-off valve, and bleed-off valve for maximum of 100 seconds on a cold start and 40 seconds on a hot restart. Air from a remotely mounted filter is drawn into the pump by centrifugal action, pressurized, and pumped through check valves into the exhaust stream. Without the bleed-off valve, a vacuum would build in the AIR hoses due to the venturi effect created as the exhaust gases flow past the injection piping. The vacuum is strong enough to hold the internal shut-off valve closed. To prevent this situation, the bleed-off valve vents the vacuum to atmosphere. An inline check valve prevents air from escaping through the bleed-off valve during injection. Check valves in the AIR piping to each cylinder bank prevent exhaust backflow when AIR is commanded OFF or an exhaust backfire occurs.

The PCM monitors the AIR system in two stages (Passive and Active). The PCM initiates a two part Passive Test (stage 1) once each ignition cycle. Part one monitors the HO2S response when the PCM commands the air pump ON. If the HO2S remains proportionally lean (low HO2S signal) for a minimum of 5 seconds, part one passes and part two of the passive test is initiated. The second part of the passive test monitors the transition from open loop to closed loop fueling. When air injection to the exhaust is commanded OFF, the PCM monitors the HO2S response. If the HO2S signal switches from a lean to rich condition for a specific amount of time, part two passes. If part one and part two pass, further monitoring of the AIR system is discontinued. If any portion of the Passive Test fails, the PCM initiates the Active Test (stage 2). To run the Active Test, the AIR pump is commanded ON during warmed-up, closed loop operation. The PCM monitors the HO2S and long and short term fuel trim value response to air injection. If the HO2S signal remains proportionally lean (low HO2S signal) and the long and short term fuel trim values increase for a specific amount of time, the active test passes. If the HO2S and long and short term fuel trim values do not respond to air injection, the active test fails. If the PCM detects a consecutive number of active test failures, the appropriate DTC(s) will set. If a successful test occurs during the active test stage, a pass indication results and the test will not run until the next ignition cycle. Conditions for setting the AIR system fault:

    • No active VSS, TP sensor, EVAP System, HO2S sensor, Misfire, IAT sensor, MAP sensor, IAC, Fuel Trim, Fuel Injector circuit, EGR Pintle, ECT sensor, CKP sensor or MAF sensor DTC(s) are set.
    • ECT sensor signal indicates temperatures between 75°C - 110°C (167°F - 230°F).
    • Engine run time greater than 3 seconds.
    • System voltage is greater than 9 volts.
    • Engine load less than 36%.
    • MAF less than 35 gm/s.
    • HO2S1 signal voltage remains greater than 300 mV (0.3 volt) for 3 occurrences.

Results of Incorrect AIR System Operation

If, during open loop fuel control, air injection isnot present in the exhaust stream, highfirst and second hydrocarbon emiisions result.

Continuous air injection to the exhaust stream will result in the following condition(s):

    • DTC P0131 and/or P0410 will set.
    • Open loop fuel control will be in effect.
    • Backfiring in the exhaust/catalyst system may occur.
    • Catalyst damage may occur.

No air injection to the exhaust stream will result in the following condition(s):

    • DTC P0410 will set.
    • High Hydrocarbon and Carbon Monoxide emiisions will occur during open loop fuel control.

Diagnosis

The Powertrain Control Module monitors the Secondary Air Injection Reaction (AIR) System. A system malfunction will set DTC P0410. An Output Driver Module (ODM A output 2) failure will set DTC P1642. The appropriate DTC chart should be used in diagnosing a AIR Refer to the proper DTC chart for diagnosing the AIR failure.