Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2444 AIR System Pump Stuck On (Bank 1)

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

P2444 means the secondary air pump keeps blowing after the engine computer has switched it off. GM checks this in phase 3 of its sequence, with the pump commanded off and the valve closed: if duct pressure stays higher than predicted – by more than 1.5 kPa within 5 s on the 2005–2006 3.8L V6, by more than 4.2 kPa within 10 s for the 2006 V8s in Corvette and CTS-V – the code sets as Type A and lights the MIL on the first trip; the 2018 tables keep the Type A rating. The usual culprit is a welded or sticking pump relay or a driver circuit shorted to power, less often a pump with internal damage. A pump that never stops can overheat and drain the battery. P2445 is the stuck-off fault, P2446 the bank 2 code.

Likely causes

Pump relay contacts welded or sticking
Relay control circuit shorted to power
Output driver in the engine computer faulty

Symptoms

  • Check engine lamp on the first trip
  • Pump audibly running long after start or with engine off
  • Discharged battery

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€20–600
Time0.3–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

secondary air pumpsecondary air pump relay

Related codes

P2445P2446P0418P2258P2440

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com.