AutoCodes – Volkswagen – P0418 Volkswagen

P0418 Volkswagen Code - Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

An air pump is used on the vehicle to lower tail pipe emissions on start-up. Common causes include Faulty Air Pump inoperative, Air bypass solenoid harness is open or shorted, Air bypass solenoid circuit poor electrical connection. 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 Volkswagen indicates Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Air Pump inoperative, Air bypass solenoid harness is open or shorted, Air bypass solenoid circuit poor electrical connection.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 20,848
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 18, 2019
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Code P0418 Volkswagen Description

An air pump is used on the vehicle to lower tail pipe emissions on start-up. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) grounds the Air pump relay control circuit which energizes the Air pump. The PCM also grounds the Air combination valve vacuum control solenoid circuit, which energizes the Air vacuum control solenoid. Vacuum is then applied to both Air combination valve diaphragms which opens the shut off valves. The PCM enables both circuits simultaneously when Air system operations id desired. When the AIR system is active, then Air pump forces fresh air into the exhaust stream in order to accelerate catalyst operation. The AIR combination valves replace the conventional check valves. When the AIR system is inactive the shut off valves prevent air flow in either direction.
OBDII Code P0418 Volkswagen - Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com
P0418 Volkswagen Code - Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0418 Volkswagen?

  • Faulty Air Pump inoperative
  • Air bypass solenoid harness is open or shorted
  • Air bypass solenoid circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0418 Volkswagen?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0418 Volkswagen code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0418 Volkswagen code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0418 Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0418 for a Volkswagen related to the Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction?

- Common symptoms include the illumination of the Check Engine Light on the dashboard, rough idling, engine hesitation, and potentially failed emissions testing.

2. What could cause the OBDII code P0418 to trigger in a Volkswagen?

- The code P0418 can be triggered by a faulty secondary air injection system relay 'A', a damaged relay connector, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning secondary air pump.

3. How can I diagnose the Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction in my Volkswagen?

- Diagnostic steps include checking the relay and its connector for damage, testing the relay for proper function, inspecting the wiring for any breaks or shorts, and verifying the secondary air pump operation.

4. Can I drive my Volkswagen with the OBDII code P0418 present?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with the code present, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential engine performance problems and emissions issues.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing the Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction in a Volkswagen?

- Repair tips include checking and replacing the faulty relay, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, testing the secondary air pump for proper function, and clearing the trouble code after repairs are completed.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code P0418 in a Volkswagen without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the trouble code with an OBDII scanner, it is not recommended as the issue causing the code may persist and lead to further problems down the line.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction in a Volkswagen?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $500 for parts and labor.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code P0418 in a Volkswagen?

- Depending on your skill level and access to tools, DIY enthusiasts may be able to address the issue by replacing the relay, checking the wiring, and testing the secondary air pump.

9. What happens if I ignore the OBDII code P0418 in my Volkswagen?

- Ignoring the code can lead to decreased engine performance, potential damage to emissions components, and may cause the vehicle to fail emissions testing.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the Secondary Air Injection System Relay 'A' Circuit Malfunction in a Volkswagen?

- The repair time can vary based on the diagnosis and the extent of the issue, but it may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to fix the problem.

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