Secondary air pump

Tiny
MARKVELLUTATO
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,000 MILES
Last week my car started making a dentist drill type noise on a cold start that lasted about 30-45 seconds. Today, the noise stopped, and the check engine light came on. I saw a YouTube video and i' m sure it's my secondary air pump. It was the same area and exact same noise. The part and labor will be approximately $800. Is this an urgently needed repair? My car is 20 years old with almost 170,000 miles. My inspection sticker still has a year to go and who knows if my car will still be running by then. If I don't replace the secondary air pump, can I damage something else that would cost me more in the long run? So, should I fix or not? Thanks for your help.
Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 AT 1:54 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,136 POSTS
Hi,

The secondary air pump is part of the emissions system. It injects fresh air into the exhaust for a cleaner burn. If it is bad, you will likely not notice much change, but it can eventually lead to power and performance loss. Additionally, the catalytic converter will not function as efficiently and can be damaged over time.

The part really isn't hard to replace, and you can get it for under $150.00.

First, pics 1-3 are the directions for removing and replacing. The last pic is from Rockauto. Com showing prices for a replacement part.

If you want to try doing this, let me know. Again, it's not hard and I can help you through it.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Note: Neither 2carpros. Com nor I have any association with rockauto. I suggested them due to the price. Under $200.00 is a lot better than approximately $800.00. LOL
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
MARKVELLUTATO
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Joe, thank you for that very clear explanation. Unfortunately, I am disabled and will have to take it to my mechanic to fix, so i'm sure it will be double the price than if I could do it myself. I feel confident what the problem is and know a lot more about it now. Thanks again for your help.
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Thursday, May 26th, 2022 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,136 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. The cost, $800.00, is very high. See what he would charge if you provided the part. I think it only calls for 1-hour labor.

Regardless, if you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, May 26th, 2022 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
STARR & ROBB
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Just replaced our secondary, car seems to be in limp mode, no change after replacing it ourselves. Part cost $334.00.
Also, the last several months replaced coil pack, spark plugs, o2sensor, mass air flow-
Now stuck in limp mode.
Have checked many things, don't know what else to check.
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Friday, August 5th, 2022 AT 2:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,136 POSTS
Hi,

If it feels like it is in limp mode, ask your mechanic if he can scan the can-bus. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, all the different computers and modules are tied together via a few wires. If there is a code stored, this should retrieve it regardless of the module storing it. If it feels as you described, there has to be a code set.

Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let me know if this has already been done and if there were any diagnostic codes stored.

Take care of yourself and hang in there. We'll get it figured out one way or another.

Joe
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Sunday, August 7th, 2022 AT 8:29 PM

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