P2441
AIR System Switching Valve Stuck Closed Bank 1
Secondary air injection (emissions)
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2441 means the secondary air injection switching valve on bank 1 is stuck closed, so cold-start air can't reach the exhaust. The system briefly pumps air into the exhaust after a cold start to lower emissions, and a closed valve blocks that flow. It's usually caused by carbon or corrosion in the valve and mostly affects emissions rather than day-to-day driving.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Usually drives normally; it mainly affects cold-start emissions, so it won't strand you but should be repaired to pass emissions.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Fails emissions testing
- Possible rough running for a short time after a cold start
- Little or no change in normal driving
Common causes
Most likely first
- Secondary-air switching valve stuck closed (carbon or corrosion)Likely
- Faulty vacuum or electrical control to the switching valveCommon
- Restricted or carbon-plugged air passagesCommon
- Failed air pump or air pump relayLess often
- Leaking or disconnected control hoseLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Command the secondary-air system on with a scan tool at cold start and confirm airflow.
- Inspect the switching valve for carbon or corrosion holding it closed; clean or replace.
- Check the vacuum lines and electrical control to the valve.
- Verify the air pump operates and the check valve isn't blocked.
- Repair the restriction or replace the valve, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2441?+
Yes. The secondary-air system only runs briefly at cold start, so normal driving is unaffected. It will fail an emissions test until repaired.
Can I just clear P2441?+
It returns after the next cold-start self-test. The stuck valve or restriction must be fixed for the code to stay off.
Related codes
Often seen with P2441
Read & clear P2441 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX