Is your Subaru throwing a check engine light due to a faulty secondary air injection system? A Subaru Secondary Air Pump Delete might be the solution. This guide will cover everything you need to know about this common issue on 2005+ Subarus, from symptoms and function to deletion options and associated costs.
The secondary air injection pump in a 2020 WRX STI.
Understanding the Subaru Secondary Air Injection System
Symptoms of a Failing Air Pump
The most common symptom is an illuminated check engine light. This indicates a fault detected by the Engine Control Unit (ECU). An ECU scan will reveal specific fault codes related to the air pump system, such as:
- P0410: Secondary Air Pump System
- P0413: Secondary Air Pump A Open
- P0414: Secondary Air Pump A Shorted
- P0418: Secondary Air Pump Relay A
- P2432: Secondary Air Pump Circuit Low
- P2433: Secondary Air Pump Circuit High
- P2441: Secondary Air Pump Valve 1 Stuck Closed
- P2444: Secondary Air Pump 1 Stuck on B1
Other symptoms might include:
- Grinding or whining noise from the pump
- High-pitched sucking or blowing noise from the piping
- Erratic engine performance after a cold start
- Reduced power
- Inability to engage Sports Sharp (S#) mode (on applicable models)
- Increased fuel consumption
Function of the Secondary Air Pump
The secondary air injection system’s primary function is to reduce emissions during cold starts. It injects air into the exhaust stream, aiding in the catalytic converter’s warm-up and efficient operation. This process typically lasts for about a minute after starting a cold engine.
Why Consider a Subaru Secondary Air Pump Delete?
While your Subaru can function without the secondary air injection system, it’s crucial to understand the implications. The primary drawback is a slight increase in emissions during the initial minute of a cold start. However, if your vehicle has performance modifications, such as a removed catalytic converter, the air pump’s emission benefits are minimal. Furthermore, deleting the system can declutter the engine bay, simplifying maintenance tasks.
A crowded 2020 WRX STI engine bay.
A simplified engine bay in a modified 2014 WRX STI after air pump deletion.
Subaru Secondary Air Pump Delete Options
Several options are available for a Subaru secondary air pump delete:
Basic Delete
This option involves reprogramming the ECU to disable the air pump system and associated fault codes. While the mechanical components remain in place, this prevents further check engine light issues.
Standard Delete
This includes the ECU reprogramming and the physical removal of the air pump and related components. This cleans up the engine bay and simplifies spark plug replacement.
Standard Delete with Performance Tune (Recommended)
This combines the Standard Delete with a performance tune to optimize the engine’s performance after the system removal. A tune compensates for any operational changes and often results in noticeable performance gains.
Complete Delete
This comprehensive option removes all air pump system components, providing the cleanest engine bay appearance. Due to the extensive labor involved, it’s often performed during engine builds.
Conclusion
A Subaru secondary air pump delete offers various benefits, from resolving check engine light issues to simplifying maintenance and enhancing engine bay aesthetics. Choosing the right option depends on your individual needs and budget. Consult with a qualified Subaru specialist to determine the best approach for your vehicle.
