Engine-CodesSaturn – P0418 Saturn

P0418 Saturn Code - Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The P0418 code in a Saturn vehicle indicates a problem with the Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Control Circuit. Common causes include Faulty Relay: The most common cause of this code is a faulty relay that is not sending the proper signals to activate the secondary air injection pump, Damaged Wiring: Wiring harnesses connecting the relay to the pump may be damaged, causing a disruption in the circuit, PCM Malfunction: A malfunctioning PCM may not be properly controlling the relay, leading to the code being triggered. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means
P0418 Saturn indicates Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Control Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Relay: The most common cause of this code is a faulty relay that is not sending the proper signals to activate the secondary air injection pump, Damaged Wiring: Wiring harnesses connecting the relay to the pump may be damaged, causing a disruption in the circuit, PCM Malfunction: A malfunctioning PCM may not be properly controlling the relay, leading to the code being triggered.
Severity
Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?
The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 12, 2024
💬 Need more help? Ask Auto Expert for instant answers — it's free!
AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play

Code P0418 Saturn Description

The P0418 code in a Saturn vehicle indicates a problem with the Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Control Circuit. This system is responsible for injecting fresh air into the exhaust system to help reduce emissions. The relay control circuit plays a crucial role in activating the secondary air injection pump at the appropriate times during engine operation.

OBDII Code P0418 Saturn - Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Control Circuit
P0418 Saturn Code - Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Control Circuit

Common Causes of P0418 Saturn

  1. Faulty Relay: The most common cause of this code is a faulty relay that is not sending the proper signals to activate the secondary air injection pump.
  2. Damaged Wiring: Wiring harnesses connecting the relay to the pump may be damaged, causing a disruption in the circuit.
  3. PCM Malfunction: A malfunctioning PCM may not be properly controlling the relay, leading to the code being triggered.
  4. Blown Fuse: A blown fuse in the relay control circuit can also cause this code to appear.

Symptoms of P0418 Saturn

  1. Check Engine Light: The most common symptom associated with this code is the illumination of the check engine light on the vehicle's dashboard.
  2. Rough Idle: The engine may experience rough idling or hesitation during acceleration due to the improper functioning of the secondary air injection pump.
  3. Decreased Fuel Efficiency: A malfunction in the secondary air injection system can lead to decreased fuel efficiency as the engine may not be operating at optimal conditions.
  4. Failed Emissions Test: If the secondary air injection system is not functioning correctly, the vehicle may fail emissions tests due to increased emissions output.

How to Fix P0418 Saturn

  1. Diagnose: The first step in repairing this issue is to diagnose the exact cause of the problem. This may involve using a scan tool to read the code and perform further testing to pinpoint the issue.
  2. Replace Relay: If the relay is found to be faulty, it will need to be replaced with a new one. This may involve locating the relay in the engine bay and swapping it out with a new one.
  3. Check Wiring: Inspect the wiring harnesses for any damage or corrosion. Repair or replace any damaged wires to ensure proper connectivity.
  4. Test System: After the repair is completed, the system should be tested to ensure that the code does not reappear and that the secondary air injection pump is functioning correctly.

Cost to Fix P0418 Saturn

The cost of repairing a P0418 code in a Saturn vehicle can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the labor rates of the auto repair shop. On average, the cost of replacing a faulty relay and addressing any wiring issues can range from $150 to $400. This estimate does not include diagnostic fees, which can vary between $80 and $150 per hour. It is recommended to consult with a local auto repair shop for a more accurate estimate based on your specific vehicle and location.

When is the Code Detected?

If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is expects, the fault line status changes causing the code P0418 to set.

Need more information about the P0418 Saturn code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0418 Saturn code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0418 Saturn code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0418 Saturn Code

No Frequently Asked Questions about P0418 Saturn Code found.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0418 Saturn OBDII Code

Code P0418 Saturn comments

No comments found for this page.