Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
DTC P0418: Air Pump Relay Control Circuit: Description
A voltage is directly supplied to the relay coil of the secondary Air Injection (AIR) pump. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the relay by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch that is called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the controlled component. Each driver has a fault line which the PCM monitors. When the PCM commands a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low, near 0 volts. When the PCM commands the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high, near the battery voltage. If the PCM receives a different voltage, from the fault detection circuit, than expected, 2 events occur. The fault line status changes, and the DTC sets. The relay controls the high current flow to the AIR pump. This allows the PCM driver to control only the relatively low current that is used by the relay.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.