Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Air Pump
Common symptoms include engine roughness, reduced power, and a glowing Check Engine light.
The air pump, also commonly referred to as the smog pump, is an emissions component that is part of the secondary air injection system. It is responsible for introducing clean air into the vehicle's exhaust stream to promote cleaner and more complete combustion before the vapors exit the tailpipe. By injecting clean air into the exhaust gases, the amount of hydrocarbon pollutants produced by the vehicle is reduced as the entire system is precisely tuned to work with the air supplied by the air pump.
When it fails, the overall performance of the engine can suffer due to lack of air. Many states also have strict emissions regulations for their on-road vehicles, and any issues with the air pump or air injection system can not only cause performance issues, but cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test. Usually, a faulty air pump causes several noticeable symptoms that can alert the driver that the vehicle needs attention.
1. Engine runs intermittently
One of the first symptoms of a faulty or faulty smoke collection pump is rough running of the engine. When the fume pump fails, the finely tuned air-fuel ratios can be compromised, adversely affecting engine performance. The engine may have trouble idling, the engine may slow down, or it may stall when the pedal is depressed.
2. Reduced power
Another common symptom of a failed air pump is reduced engine power output. Again, a faulty smoke pump can disrupt the car's tuning, negatively impacting overall engine performance. A faulty air pump can cause the engine to wobble or stumble under acceleration, and in more severe cases cause a noticeable drop in overall power output.
3. Check Engine light comes on.
Another sign that could indicate a problem with the air pump is a lit Check Engine light. This usually only happens after the computer has detected that the air pump has completely failed or there is an electrical problem with the air pump circuit. The Check Engine light can also be caused by other problems, so it's important to check your computer for trouble codes before repairing it.
The air pump is an essential component of the aftertreatment system and is necessary to keep the vehicle running so it can meet proper emissions requirements. If you suspect that your air pump may have a problem, or if your Check Engine light is on, take your vehicle to a professional technician, such as one from AvtoTachki, for diagnosis. If necessary, they will be able to replace the air pump and restore the normal operation of your car.
