Drive with caution — fix soon.
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.
$150 – $600
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
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.
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.
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.
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.