Hey,
So I've been looking into my failing air pump and have not been able to find much documentation(yes, i checked the useless owners manual too) on proper function. I've got a couple questions..

What is the function of the air pump in the intake system?
Does it run constantly?
What are indicators of failure?

The problem I'm hearing is what I've always known to be a failing electric motor sound. Very high pitched whine and the pump appears to stop shortly after startup(I hear it wind down).

Thanks for any input.

 

Its function is to blow air through the manifold to help prevent the cat from clogging during cold starts. Thats why it only runs during startup

There are multiple (I want to say tons) of threads about this.

The high pitch noise is a good give away that it is failing.


Are you throwing any codes?

 

I've been getting the same noise.
I don't have a cat conv though.
It's still annoying.

 

it only runs for a short time during startup to assist in warming up the engine (if I am correct) then shuts down. Has nothing to do with the Intake... My wife's squeals a little her's is an 04.

 

Lots of people have unplugged it and had no problems. It operates only during cold starts. Just don't wait for your car to warm up while idling.