P2444: AIR System Pump Stuck On (Bank 1)
P2444 means the secondary air pump keeps running after the engine computer has told it to shut off. It is a moderate problem: the car usually drives normally, but a pump that never stops can overheat and drain the battery.
You can drive, but get it checked soon
The engine normally runs fine and limp mode is not expected, but a pump that keeps running can overheat and drain the battery, so get it fixed soon and avoid leaving the car parked for long periods until it is.
What it means
The secondary air injection (AIR) system uses an electric pump to blow fresh air into the exhaust for a short time after a cold start, which helps the emissions system warm up and burn off pollutants. The engine computer checks that the pump really stops when it commands it off and the valve is closed. If air pressure in the duct stays higher than the computer predicts, it sets P2444 and turns on the check engine light on the first trip. The reference data lists examples for GM vehicles: more than 1.5 kPa within 5 seconds on the 2005-2006 3.8L V6, and more than 4.2 kPa within 10 seconds on the 2006 V8s in the Corvette and CTS-V. The fault points most often to the pump relay or its wiring rather than to the pump itself. P2444 relates to bank 1, and the code is emissions relevant.
Likely causes
- Pump relay contacts welded or stickingVery likely
A relay whose contacts stay closed keeps feeding power to the pump even when the computer commands it off.
- Relay control circuit shorted to powerPossible
A wire shorted to voltage can hold the relay on regardless of what the computer commands.
- Output driver in the engine computer faultyLess likely
If the computer's internal switching circuit fails in the on state, it can keep the relay energized.
What you may notice
- Check engine light on the first trip
- Pump audibly running long after start or with the engine off
- Discharged battery
What to check, cheapest first
- 1Read the code and any related codes (P2445, P2446, P0418, P2258, P2440) and note whether they set together. · you can do it
- 2With the engine off and the key off, listen near the pump for a humming or whirring sound that continues. · you can do it
- 3Locate the AIR pump relay in the fuse box and check it for heat damage or a stuck-closed condition; swap it with a matching relay to see if the problem goes away. · you can do it
- 4Inspect the relay wiring and connector for damage or a short to power. · mechanic
- 5Test the relay control circuit for voltage when the computer commands the pump off. · mechanic
- 6If the relay and wiring test good, check the pump for internal damage and then the engine computer's output driver. · mechanic
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P2444?+
Usually yes for a short time, since the engine typically runs normally. The pump can overheat and run the battery down, so repair it soon.
Can a loose gas cap cause P2444?+
No. P2444 is about the air pump running when it should be off, not a fuel vapor leak.
Will P2444 pass an emissions test?+
Not with the check engine light on. The code is emissions relevant, and after the repair the car needs a drive cycle before the system is ready for testing.
How hard is the repair?+
Often easy. The reference estimates 0.3 to 2 hours, and a relay replacement can be done by an owner.
Written with the help of AI from the public OBDex definition (CC0). Each make may use the code differently. Updated: 2026-11-10