P0415 — Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit Shorted
Drive with caution — fix soon.
What P0415 means
This code means the engine computer detected a short circuit in the control wiring for the secondary air injection switching valve 'A', which directs fresh air into the exhaust at startup. It usually points to chafed or shorted wiring, a faulty connector, or a failed switching valve. It's a fairly common code and is typically fixable without major engine work.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Rough idle shortly after a cold start
- Air pump runs abnormally or not at all at startup
- Will likely fail an emissions test
- Little to no change in everyday driving
Common causes
- Shorted or chafed wiring in the valve control circuit
- Faulty connector at the switching valve
- Faulty secondary air switching valve (A)
- Short to ground or to voltage in the circuit
- Failed control relay for the switching valve
Typical repair cost
$150 – $600
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0415 code?
Usually yes, since the switching valve mostly affects cold-start emissions and not normal driveability. The car stays safe to drive, but it will likely fail an emissions test, so plan to have the wiring and valve inspected.
How much does it cost to fix a P0415?
Most repairs fall between about $150 and $600. Fixing shorted wiring or a connector is on the cheaper side, while replacing the secondary air switching valve costs more.
Is a P0415 code serious?
It's not a safety emergency and rarely strands you, but it does mean part of your emissions system isn't working. It should be repaired so the car passes emissions and runs cleaner during cold starts.
What does switching valve A circuit shorted mean in P0415?
A 'shorted circuit' means the wiring for the air switching valve 'A' has an unwanted electrical connection, often to ground or voltage. This is usually caused by chafed wiring, a bad connector, or a failed valve rather than an engine fault.