Receiving Helpdesk

what is a smog pump on a car

by Emie Greenholt Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

what is the smog pump?

  • Brendin
  • 95fiveoh. A smog pump is just a device that pumps air into the exhaust and burns unburned fuel and pollutants.
  • 059185allmine. Your smog pump is part of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation system. ...
  • FoxChassis. The Thermactor ("smog") system has nothing to do with the EGR system. ...
  • NoSlow5oh. ...
  • FoxChassis. ...
  • Brendin
  • Ga-Pony. ...
  • NoSlow5oh. ...
  • FoxChassis. ...

More items...

An air pump, also commonly referred to as a smog pump, is an emissions component that is part of the secondary air injection system. It is responsible for pumping clean air into the vehicle's exhaust stream to promote a cleaner and more complete burn before the fumes exit the tailpipe.Jan 4, 2016

Full Answer

What is a smog pump and what does it do?

What is a smog pump on a car? An air pump, also commonly referred to as a smog pump, is an emissions component that is part of the secondary air injection system. It is responsible for pumping clean air into the vehicle's exhaust stream to promote a cleaner and more complete burn before the fumes exit the tailpipe.

Should I put a smog pump on my Mustang?

Put it all on, the smog pump is not robbing you of more then 1-2hp and EGR none since it is only used a part thorttle, plus a good set of high flowing cats will work just as well for a street Mustang as an off-road pipe. A car may not pollute much, but it all adds up.

Should I de-vein or rebuild my smog pump?

We are going to start off by de-veining or rebuilding a smog pump. When you de-vein a smog pump, the pump will spin freely but not pump. The reason some people chose to de-vein their smog pumps is that over time the smog pump can fail internally and make noise.

How does a smog check work?

A smog check tests your car's exhaust system to see how many pollutants your car is emitting, as well as the type of pollutants that are being emitted. Your car's tailpipe will have a device connected to it that will measure the car's emissions both while the vehicle is in idle, and while the engine is revved.

Is the smog pump necessary?

The air injection smog pump pushes air into the exhaust system right after the exhaust manifold, to help intercept and burn those unburned fuels. The system is critical to help cars achieve government emissions standards. So, the law says you need a secondary air injection system.

How does a smog pump work on a car?

Pump Type: The Air Pump, or Air Injector Reactor (AIR), system design is commonly referred to as the smog pump. The smog pump is responsible for supplying fresh, pressurized oxygen into the exhaust stream near the exhaust manifold. The spinning vanes of the air pump forcing air into the diverter valve accomplish this.

What happens if you remove smog pump?

The tube into the head would rust through and sound like a bad exhaust leak. As for removing the pump, you won't pass the visual portion of the inspection if you do remove it. I ripped off my smog stuff a long time ago just because I got bored and don't have emissions.

Where is the smog pump located?

3:3611:02How to replace air/smog pump check valve in a Chevy Colorado, P0411 ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's on the passenger side of the engine uh just behind the transmission fluid dipstick.MoreIt's on the passenger side of the engine uh just behind the transmission fluid dipstick.

How do I know if my smog pump is bad?

One of the first symptoms of a bad or failing smog pump is a rough running engine. When a smog pump fails the finely tuned air-fuel ratios can be upset, and it will negatively affect the performance of the engine. The engine may have trouble idling, and may drop in engine speed, or stall when the pedal is pressed.

How much does it cost to replace an air pump in a car?

If you have to completely replace your pump system, you may pay between $500-$600, depending on the specifics of your car.

Does a smog pump affect gas mileage?

The smog pump really shouldn't affect mileage as all it does is pump air downstream into the exhaust.

What does code po411 mean?

Secondary Air Injection Incorrect Flow DetectedDiagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0411 stands for “Secondary Air Injection Incorrect Flow Detected.” This code warns about a potential airflow issue in the secondary air system.

What causes a secondary air injection system malfunction?

A faulty pump is generally the most frequent cause of the system failing. Ingress of moisture can cause damage which results in seizure of the pump. Faulty ground and voltage supply can also cause the pump to fail.

How do you test a smog pump?

1:183:03How To Test A BMW Smog Pump Air Injection Check Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step is to make sure that no exhaust or air can leak passed without vacuum applied to thisMoreThe first step is to make sure that no exhaust or air can leak passed without vacuum applied to this hose when vacuum is applied to this hose. Air can be passed through here into the exhaust.

How do I fix code P0410?

What repairs can fix the P0410 code?Replacing the air injection pump and power relay.Replacing O2 sensors that respond too slow as they age.Replacing the air injection pump intake filter clogged with debris.

How do I fix code P2431?

What repairs can fix the P2431 code?Replacing the secondary air pump.Repairing or replacing a wiring harness.Resolving poor electrical connections.

How to tell if smog pump is bad?

One of the first symptoms of a bad or failing smog pump is a rough running engine. When a smog pump fails the finely tuned air-fuel ratios can be upset, and it will negatively affect the performance of the engine. The engine may have trouble idling, and may drop in engine speed, or stall when the pedal is pressed.

Why do we inject clean air into exhaust?

It is responsible for pumping clean air into the vehicle’s exhaust stream to promote a cleaner and more complete burn before the fumes exit the tailpipe. By injecting clean air into the exhaust, the amount of hydrocarbon pollutants produced by the vehicle is reduced, as the entire system is finely tuned to run with the air provided by the air pump. ...

Why does my air pump light come on?

Check Engine Light comes on. Another symptom that may be indicative of a bad air pump is an illuminated Check Engine Light. This will usually only occur after the computer has detected the air pump has completely failed, or an electrical problem with the air pump circuit has occurred. A Check Engine Light can also be caused by other problems, ...

Why is an air pump important?

The air pump is an important component of the emissions system, and necessary to keep your vehicle running in proper order so that it can meet the proper emission requirements. If you suspect that your air pump may be having a problem, or your Check Engine Light has come on, have the vehicle diagnosed by a professional technician, ...

What happens if you have a bad air pump?

Reduced horsepower. Another common symptom of a bad air pump is a reduction in power output from the engine. Again, a failed smog pump can upset the tune of the vehicle, which will negatively impact overall engine performance. A failed air pump may cause the engine to hesitate or stumble on acceleration, and in more serious cases, ...

Can an air pump fail an emissions test?

Many states also have strict emissions regulations for their road going vehicles, and any problems with the air pump or the air injection system can not only cause performance problems, but also cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test. Usually, a failed air pump will produce a few noticeable symptoms that can alert the driver ...

What is an air injection pump?

In an effort to decrease this source of emissions, the air injection system was created. A.I.R. (air injection reactor) pumps, commonly referred to as smog pumps, help reduce emissions in two ways.

How does an engine exhaust pump work?

Engine exhaust (which contains unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide) is routed into the AIR pump, then compressed injected into the exhaust port of each cylinder.

What is an A.I.R pump?

A.I.R. (air injection reactor) pumps, commonly referred to as smog pumps, help reduce emissions in two ways. While your car's engine is cold, it pumps excessive hydrocarbons back into the engine for re-combustion, providing a more complete combustion. It also diverts air to either the atmosphere or downstream to the oxygen sensor.

What is a smog check?

A smog check or smog test is a basic vehicle inspection program that measures how many pollutants are coming from a car’s exhaust. In some cases, the smog check involves a physical inspection, while others will read ...

How much does a smog test cost in California?

In California, the smog stations are private businesses that were authorized by the DMV. In this state, prices can vary greatly, with prices ranging from $30 to $80. However, other states have different price scales, depending on what the test looks like and what the requirements are. Some states combine the emissions test with ...

Why is it important to take your car in on a cooler day?

The warmer the engine is, the fewer amounts of hydrocarbons are going to come out of the tailpipe. To perform even better, consider taking the vehicle in on a cooler day. With cool air coming into the engine when it is fully warmed up, the motor will run most efficiently.

What does a check engine light mean?

The Check Engine light indicates that there is something wrong with your car and that it is not working efficiently. If your car has the check engine light on the dashboard, you will certainly not pass the test. Get a correct diagnosis of your car before the test to improve your chances.

Why is my car dynamo?

To maintain high speeds, your car must be properly hydrated. When tested on a dynamo, there is a possibility that your car will heat up, and if the radiator does not contain enough coolant to cool the engine, the engine could produce a rich air-fuel mixture, which could affect your emission levels.

When should I tune my car before an emission test?

Tune your vehicle two weeks before the exhaust emission test. Do not tune it close to the test date, as the ECU resets itself after tuning and it will not be able to make the correct diagnosis necessary for a correct recommendation.

Can you combine an emissions test with a regular inspection?

Some states combine the emissions test with the regular inspection, creating a bundled price. While you might spend more on the inspection, you must remember that the total price isn’t all for the emissions check.

Why do smog pumps spin?

The reason some people chose to de-vein their smog pumps is that over time the smog pump can fail internally and make noise. Or, more specifically, the diverter valve can fail and cause a backfire on deceleration that could damage the exhaust system.

Can a smog pump be de-veined?

Making the smog pump non-functional will not affect the driveability of the vehicle, and once the smog pump has been de-veined no one will be able to tell that the pump has been turned into a non-functional unit.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9