What does the secondary air filter do?

The secondary air filter, or air pump filter, removes dust and debris from the air entering the secondary air pump system. This filter is vital to the health of the air pump as well as the catalytic converter.

Can you clean the secondary air injection pump?

Cleaning the secondary air injection pump can be accomplished with some specialty tools, however is not something easily achieved by the vehicle owner. Typically, if a vehicle has issues with the secondary air pump, a replacement is recommended instead of a cleaning.

Can you drive without a secondary air pump?

Normally, the vehicle will still run and drive without a secondary air pump, however the check engine light may stay on and there may be a loss of engine power. On certain models, the engine control module (computer) will place the vehicle in "limp mode" and only allow partial operation of the throttle if the secondary air system is not working properly.