P2444: How to Diagnose & Fix — Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck On (Bank 1)
4 vehicles · 2 makes · $300-$3,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P2444: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Toyota Sequoia · 2008–2019
2nd-gen Sequoias with the 5.7L 3UR-FE also suffer from secondary air injection pump failures, similar to the 1st gen but with updated part numbers. The pump seizes from internal moisture corrosion, triggering P2440-P2445 codes and check engine light.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P2440-P2445 codes
- Loud buzzing or grinding on cold start
- Air pump not engaging on startup
- Failed emissions test
How to Fix
Replace secondary air injection pump (Toyota 17610-0S010 or Dorman 306-058). Replace air switching valves if corroded. Aftermarket pumps are available at lower cost. Some owners install check valves in the air line to prevent moisture backflow into the pump.
Toyota 4Runner · 2005–2009
The 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 used in later 4th-generation 4Runners is known for secondary air injection system failures involving the air pump and switching valves. When the system sticks or fails electrically, the truck may illuminate the check engine light and enter reduced-power or limp mode. This problem is widely documented across Toyota V8 trucks and SUVs of the era and can be very expensive when repaired with OEM components.
Common Symptoms
- check engine light
- reduced power or limp mode
- poor acceleration
- cold-start noise from air pump area
- traction and VSC lights illuminated with CEL
How to Fix
Scan for stored air injection codes and verify pump operation, valve movement, and moisture intrusion in the system. Repair usually requires replacing one or both air pumps and/or switching valves, plus related hoses or control components. Some owners use aftermarket bypass modules for off-road or out-of-warranty vehicles, but emissions legality varies by location.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Toyota 17600-0F010 secondary-air pump assembly
pump branch only when command, power, pressure and debris inspection confirm failure Fitment/availability: 2005-2009 Toyota 4Runner 4.7L 2UZ-FE bulletin branch; broader catalog fitment does not justify use without code-directed pump test…
- Genuine Toyota 25710-50022 secondary-air switching/check valve
main switching-valve branch only after the bulletin test identifies valve failure or debris damage Fitment/availability: 2005-2009 Toyota 4Runner 4.7L 2UZ-FE bulletin branch; supersedes 25710-50020 and 25710-50021 Fitment/availability: s…
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Subaru Forester · 2009–2013
On turbocharged Forester XT models, the relay controlling the secondary air injection (SAI) pump can fail in the closed position, leaving the air pump running continuously. Sustained operation overheats the pump, which can melt surrounding components and create a fire risk even with the vehicle parked. Subaru recalled about 100,000 turbo vehicles (Forester XT, Impreza WRX/STI, Legacy/Outback turbo) for the defect.
Common Symptoms
- Burning / melting smell from engine bay
- Air pump audibly running after engine warmed up or off
- Check engine light with SAI codes
- Blown SAI-circuit fuse
How to Fix
Free recall repair under Subaru campaign WTM-73 (NHTSA 16V-738): the dealer replaces the secondary air injection pump relay. If the pump itself was already damaged by prolonged overheating it is replaced as well. Owners of turbo XT models should confirm the recall has been completed by VIN, as completion rates on older vehicles are often incomplete.
Sources for this issue (3)
Subaru WRX · 2006–2014
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P2444 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P2444 mean?
P2444 stands for "Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck On (Bank 1)." This powertrain/emissions code means the secondary air injection (AIR) pump for bank 1 appears to be stuck in the 'on' position, continuing to push air when it should be off. The secondary air system briefly pumps fresh air into the exhaust after a cold start to help the catalytic converter heat up and reduce emissions. The computer detected airflow or pressure when none was expected. This is mainly an emissions concern but, if ignored, can affect the air-fuel mixture and over time stress emissions components.
What are the most common causes of P2444?
The most common causes of P2444 are: Faulty secondary air injection pump (running continuously), Stuck-open air switching/check valve, Wiring or relay fault keeping the pump powered, Faulty pump control relay, Connector corrosion or short in the AIR circuit, Faulty engine control module (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P2444?
Repair costs for P2444 range from $300 to $3,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P2444?
Au7o has documented P2444 across 4 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Subaru, Toyota.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.