P2442 OBD-II Trouble Code: Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open Bank 2

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront


Cost of diagnosing the P2442 code

P2442 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open Bank 2". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P2442 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P2442 code definition

The P2442 code is a generic powertrain code related to the auxiliary emissions control system. This particular code appears when the bank 2 secondary air injection valve stays open.

The P2442 code is also related to:

What the P2442 code means

If a P2442 code comes up, a one-way check valve is stuck open in the secondary air injection system, causing too much airflow into the exhaust and allowing hot exhaust gas to travel back into the pump. If the PCM receives a voltage reading of more than 10% of the allowed amount the P2442 code will be stored.

The secondary air intake system is part of a vehicle’s emissions control system and works to support the function of the catalytic converter. The switching valves allow the air pump to pump air into the exhaust stream when an engine is cold, speeding up the process of warming the catalytic converter to burn unused fuel.

As unburned fuel is more toxic to the environment than burned fuel, high amounts of unburned fuel cause increased vehicle emissions.

What causes the P2442 code?

The P2442 trouble code occurs mostly in cold weather and can be caused by a number of potential issues, including:

  • Water sucked into the air injection pumps.
  • Damaged or defective vacuum switching or air valves
  • Damaged or defective pressure sensor
  • Poor or damaged electrical connections or shorted wiring.
  • Faulty air injection pump
  • Leaking air injection tubes.

What are the Symptoms of the P2442 Code?

Symptoms of a P2442 trouble code may include:

How Does a Mechanic Diagnose the P2442 Code?

A mechanic may use one or more methods to diagnose the P2442 code, including (but not limited to):

  • Utilize an OBD-II scanner to check for any trouble codes stored in the PCM

  • Test and check for damaged or defective one-way check valves

  • Check pumps for moisture

  • Check for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed or damaged wires due to corrosion or excess heat from exhaust gasses

  • Check for damaged hoses or fittings

  • Check for blown fuses

  • Clear code and test-drive to see if any codes reappear

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P2442 Code

The most common cause of the P2442 code is moisture in the air injection pumps. But, the issue may not be in the pump itself. If the secondary air injection pump is replaced and the root cause of the failed pump is not diagnosed, the pump may continue to fail, resulting in additional replacements.

How Serious is the P2442 Code?

Because the vehicle could go into “limp mode” or stall, YourMechanic considers this a potentially serious issue. Take the vehicle into your local dealer service center of repair shop for diagnosis and repair immediately.

What Repairs can fix the P2442 code?

  • Replace or repair defective or damaged one-way check valves
  • Replace or repair any faulty wiring
  • Replace or repair any faulty hoses or fittings
  • Replace any blown fuses
  • Clean pumps and assembly and test
  • Follow all the manufacturer's instructions in a related technical service bulletin

Additional Comments for Consideration Regarding the P2442 Code

Some manufacturers have issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) about this fault, so it’s always a good idea to check for any associated bulletins before making any repairs.

Need Help with a P2442 Code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

Check Engine Light
P2442
trouble codes

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P2442 code.

SCHEDULE P2442 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


Related questions

Error code P2442
Hi. The code P2422 is an "EVAP canister vent shut valve close malfunction" code and is a manufacturer code that needs a little diagnosing before it can be replaced. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a mechanic,...

More related articles

P0895 OBD-II Trouble Code: Shift Time Too Short
P0895 code means that there is an abnormality in the shift time between individual gears due to transmission blockage, failure, or dirty fluid.
P0550 OBD-II Trouble Code: Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0550 code means the power steering pump doesn’t know how much support to provide due to the faulty sensor, or power steering issues.
B2101 OBD-II Trouble Code: Head Rest Switch Circuit Failure
B2101 trouble code means there's a malfunction with the power headrest switch circuit, caused by faulty components in the headrest switch or headrest.

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com