P0414Generic code

P0414 Code: Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit Shorted

The P0414 code means the circuit of secondary air switching valve A is shorted, with more current than normal or a path to ground. Check for a shorted coil, a chafed wire or water in the connector before you replace the valve. The engine runs normally, but the vehicle will not pass an emissions inspection.

Severity
Low
Can I keep driving?
Yes, no immediate risk
Estimated cost
$50 to $500
Difficulty
Medium
System
Emissions Control
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0414 code means

The secondary air system pumps air into the exhaust for the first few minutes after a cold start so the catalytic converter warms up sooner. An electric pump blows the air, and a switching valve (a vacuum solenoid or an electric valve) opens the path to the manifold.

The computer watches the control circuit from its own driver transistor. The P0414 code points to a short: the current is higher than normal or the circuit is grounded. Before you replace the component, check the fuse, the relay, the connector and the wiring, because they are the most common cause.

If the valve does not work, the air does not reach the exhaust and the catalytic converter takes longer to warm up. The engine runs the same, but the vehicle will not pass an emissions inspection. Moisture coming back from the exhaust corrodes the check valves and the passages.

Measure the resistance of the component. A value well below the specification means shorted windings. Also check the insulation of each wire to ground with the connector unplugged. It should read infinite.

P0414 code symptoms

  • Check engine light on.
  • Usually no driving symptoms.
  • Air pump noise after a cold start is missing, or it is there when it should not be.

Likely causes of the P0414 code

  1. Shorted coil. The resistance reads very low.
  2. Wire shorted to ground from the insulation rubbing on the chassis.
  3. Water in the connector. This is very common on components mounted under the vehicle.

How to diagnose the P0414 code step by step

  1. Activate the component with the scan tool and see whether it responds.
  2. Check the fuse and the relay.
  3. Measure the supply at the connector. You should see battery voltage with the key on or when it is activated.
  4. Measure the resistance of the component and compare it with the manual. Check the insulation to ground too.
  5. Check the control wire for continuity and for the absence of shorts.
  6. Start the engine cold and listen for the pump. It should run for a few seconds or minutes.
  7. Activate the valve with the scan tool and check that air passes.

How to fix the P0414 code

  • Repair the connector, the wiring or the supply.
  • Replace secondary air switching valve A if it does not respond with correct supply and control.
  • Clear the codes and verify that the monitor completes.

Technical reference data

  • 12 volt solenoid, with approximate resistance of 20 to 40 ohms.
  • These are approximate values, so check the manufacturer data for your engine.

Brand-specific notes

On many vehicles moisture destroys the valves and pumps of this system, so water in a connector is a prime suspect behind a P0414 code.

P0414 on Toyota

Frequent on Toyota vehicles, where moisture destroys valves and pumps.

P0414 on Lexus

Frequent on Lexus vehicles, where moisture destroys valves and pumps.

P0414 on Volkswagen

Frequent on Volkswagen vehicles, where moisture destroys valves and pumps.

P0414 on BMW

Frequent on BMW vehicles, where moisture destroys valves and pumps.

P0414 on GM

Frequent on GM vehicles, where moisture destroys valves and pumps.

Frequently asked questions about P0414

Can I drive with a P0414 code?
Yes. It normally does not affect driving. Repair it before the emissions inspection.
What does secondary air switching valve A do?
The secondary air system injects air into the exhaust during the first minutes after a cold start to warm up the catalytic converter sooner. An electric pump blows the air, and a switching valve (a vacuum solenoid or an electric valve) opens the path to the manifold.
Do I always have to replace the part?
No. Check the fuses, relays, connectors and wiring first.
How much does it cost to fix P0414?
Roughly $50 to $500, depending on whether it is wiring or the valve itself.
What does the P0414 code mean?
It is a generic OBD2 code for a shorted circuit in secondary air switching valve A. The current is higher than normal or the circuit is grounded.
Will a P0414 code clear itself?
Only if the fault was a one-time glitch, such as water that later dried out. A shorted coil or a chafed wire will bring the code back.

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Questions about the P0414 code

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