Symptoms of a Bad or Faulty Air Pump Filter
If your engine is running slowly, the "Check Engine" light is on, or the idle is rough, you may need to replace your vehicle's air pump filter.
The air pump is an exhaust system component and is one of the most important elements of a car's secondary air injection system. Some vehicles will be equipped with an emission system air pump filter. The air pump filter is simply designed to filter the air that is forced into the car's exhaust stream through the air injection system. As with an engine or cabin air filter, an air pump filter collects dirt and dust and will eventually need to be replaced when it can no longer filter air effectively.
An air pump filter serves the same purpose as an engine air filter, however in most cases it is not as easily accessible for quick inspection and maintenance as an engine air filter. The air pump filter serves another important purpose as it is an emissions component, which means that any problems with it can lead to issues with the vehicle's emissions system as well as engine performance. Usually, when the air pump filter needs attention, there are several symptoms in the car that can alert the driver to a possible problem that needs to be fixed.
1. Engine running sluggish
One of the first symptoms that a bad air pump filter can cause is reduced engine power and acceleration. A dirty filter restricts airflow to the air pump, which can negatively affect the rest of the system. A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the point where vehicle speed may noticeably slow down during takeoff and acceleration.
2. Rough and wobbly idle
Another sign of a dirty or clogged air pump filter is rough idle. An excessively dirty filter will restrict airflow, which can lead to erratic idling. In more severe cases, a clogged air filter can disrupt the idle mixture so much that the vehicle stalls while driving.
3. Reduced fuel efficiency
A dirty air pump filter can also affect fuel efficiency. Air flow restriction due to a dirty filter will upset the vehicle's air-fuel ratio setting and cause the engine to use more fuel to travel the same distance and at the same speed as with a clean, loose filter.
Since the air pump filter can significantly affect vehicle emissions and performance, it is important to replace this filter at regular service intervals. If you suspect that your filter may need to be replaced, or you find that you need to replace it, have a professional technician, such as one from AvtoTachki, inspect the vehicle and replace the air pump filter.
