P2257 Secondary Air Injection System Control “A” Circuit Low
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Secondary Air Injection System Control A Circuit Low
What does P2257 mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Mazda, BMW, Ford, Dodge, Saab, Range Rover, Jaguar, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
When a P2257 has been stored, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected low voltage on the secondary air injection control circuit designated “A”. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual to determine the “A” location for your application.
At the heart of the secondary air injection system is either a belt driven or electric pump. The pump injects ambient air into the engine exhaust system for the purposes of emission reduction. Heat resistant, silicon-based hoses are used to supply the pump with cool ambient air. The ambient air is filtered before it is drawn in through the air filter housing or a remote inlet housing designed specifically for the secondary air injection system.
Ambient air is pumped into the exhaust system via high temp silicon and steel lines attached to ports in the exhaust down pipes and one-way check valves are fitted into each exhaust hose to prevent condensation from entering the pump and causing a malfunction; these valves fail regularly.
The PCM controls secondary air injection pump operation according to engine temperature, engine RPM, throttle position, etc. Factors vary with vehicle manufacturer.
If the PCM detects a degree of voltage on secondary air injection system control circuit “A” that is insufficient, a code P2257 will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will be illuminated. Multiple ignition cycles (with a failure) may be required for MIL illumination.
Secondary air injection components:
What is the severity of this DTC?
Conditions which contribute to a stored code P2257 could result in secondary air injection pump damage. It is for this reason that this code should be categorized as severe.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P2257 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this code may include:
What are some P2257 troubleshooting steps?
You will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a source of reliable vehicle information in order to accurately diagnose a code P2257.
You may save yourself time by searching for technical service bulletins (TSB) that replicate the code stored, vehicle (year, make, model, and engine), and symptoms exhibited. This information may be found in your vehicle information source. If you find the right TSB, it could yield a speedy solution to your diagnosis.
After you connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored codes and pertinent freeze frame data, write the information down (in case the code proves to be an intermittent one). After that, clear the codes and test drive the vehicle until one of two things happens; the code is restored or the PCM enters readiness mode.
The code may be more difficult to diagnose if the PCM enters readiness mode at this point, because the code is intermittent. The condition which caused the P2257 to be stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made. If the code is restored, continue with the diagnosis.
You may obtain connector face views, connector pinout charts, component locator charts, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flow charts (pertaining to the code and vehicle in question) using your source of vehicle information.
Perform a visual inspection of related wiring and connectors. Repair or replace wiring that has been cut, burned, or damaged.
Use the DVOM to test secondary air injection system control voltage at the appropriate connector pin. If no voltage is detected, check system fuses. Replace blown or otherwise defective fuses as required.
If voltage is detected, test the corresponding circuit at the PCM connector. If no voltage is detected there, suspect an open circuit between the sensor in question and the PCM. If voltage is discovered there, suspect a defective PCM or PCM programming error.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p2257 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p2257 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p2257.
