Code 0411 Secondary Air Injection - Page 2

AllenPacla · #11 (**permalink**) 12-01-05, 10:10 PM

Both of the valve will cost more than hundred bucks. If you have a lot of money, there is no problem but after all the problems i had with the Catera, I wanted to make sure before i spend another dime on a part replacement. And in my case, it turned out to be the Control Solenoid. If that is the case with the guy above, then he would be wasting money on the two valves and still not solving the problem. My point is, why waste money when you can be sure which part you have to replace if you will just spend a little bit of an extra time doing it.

Eagleta2 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-02-05, 01:25 AM

Thanks A bunch for all of your help guys!

I plan on digging into this on saturday... but that depends on your next answer, I think. Are these Auto Zone/Checkers parts or would I be better off to diagnose the parts and order them online?

Just trying to analyze the best course of action in advance...

You know - worry/paranoia/spend... usually in that order!

Thanks
Geo

AllenPacla · #13 (**permalink**) 12-02-05, 03:05 AM

Autozone will help you get the codes but not exactly pinpoint the problem, so you will have to decide whether to bring it to a mechanic to figure it out or do it yourself. Just like i said over and over, it's easy to pinpoint the problem, all it takes is a few cold starts which means a couple of days or three.

ewill3rd · #14 (**permalink**) 12-02-05, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Barring having the diagnostic tools you'd need to accurately diagnose this concern this is what I would recommend. If you'd like to have a professional diagnose the car, that would of course be your best option, it always is.

Having the car professionally diagnosed and repaired is always the preferred option if you want to be right the first time and replace only the necessary parts.
Without a scan tool you are pretty lost on this one. It can be diagnosed in short order with the use of the Tech 2. (factory scan tool)

I agree it's better to test and replace one part.
This forum seems to be for people that don't necessarily have factory training and thousands of dollars of tools at their disposal for diagnosing cars.

I gave the answer I thought best suited that scenario and I stand by it.

I understand your point Allen and I am not ignoring it. I am agreeing with it but I don't know of any way to diagnose this at home to pinpoint the problem any closer. You said you have a thread out there on how to do this, I haven't read it yet. I am sure it's worth reading and I am sure that it will work.
I am a factory trained tech and my answers will always be "if you want to be sure, do it the way the manufacturer says it should be done".
Sorry if that is offensive to anyone.

ewill3rd · #15 (**permalink**) 12-02-05, 08:09 AM

Eagleta, I don't see aftermarket parts being an issue to resolve this kind of problem. I haven't used Autozone parts very much, but I am sure they are as reliable as any aftermarket parts.

I use factory parts, but I can't say those are any better or worse.

AllenPacla · #16 (**permalink**) 12-03-05, 03:05 AM

Try this link if it will work http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...k+Engine+light (Check Engine light not lighting up) . Read my last post and that will give you an idea on how to check which part is faulty. The tech 2 tool is about 2 thousand dollars, even with the dealership, not every mechanic owns one. It's the only tool you can use to diagnose which part in the system is faulty. The advantage of using the scan tool is that you don't have to do three cold starts which could easily mean three days. You can use the scan tool to command the system to operate even if the engine is warm already. The system is simple if you will try and analyze it, it's just a secondary source of air that mixes with the exhaust during cold starts to lessen pollution until the catalytic converters are warmed enough to accomplish this job. The check engine code comes up when there is not enough air coming from the AIR system which could only mean two things, a blockage in the passage way of the air coming from the pump or a leak in the system or more so a dead air pump. Just like i said in my post in the link above, if the air pump is working, which is easy to determine because you can hear it while it's running during cold start, then it makes it easier to determine which one is faulty. It could very well be either the control solenoid or the vacuum controlled check valve made of plastic. The aluminum valve, even if it's faulty can be disregarded since it's function is just to prevent the back flow of exhaust air into the AIR system. The plastic check valve, if it's working properly, can assume this function. The procedure is so easy, i wouldn't bother going to a mechanic, not until you try the procedure and replace the parts and you still get the code. Then it would be another problem. Just think about the amount of money you will be able to save doing it yourself. As an example, i had my car quoted for a mass air flow sensor replacement job, I was quoted an amount of $650.00 parts and labor. I bought the sensor for $220.00 and replaced it myself which took me 10 minutes. I am not a mechanic, I am just so pissed at the amount of labor cost and the parts cost of the Catera that i decided to do all the job myself whenever possible. I enjoy it because i learn a great deal about the car. These days, i do the oil change myself, i replaced a tie rod once, i replaced the fuel filter once, upgraded my headlights to HID including the foglights, replaced the Heater Control Valve, replaced my wipers, fixed the ghost of that sunroof that gets crazy once in a while opening itself, fixed that problem with the dual climate system where the passenger side is blowing cold air while the driver's side is blowing hot air, replaced the cabin air filter, replaced the air filter with an aftermarket one, replaced the coolant reservoir with a new one, and lots of other small things. My point is, with all these repairs and replacement, if all i did is rely on the dealership or a professional mechanic, how much do you think would have i spent already by now? The the good thing is, while doing it you learn a lot of things. All it takes is patience, time and some good sense with mechanical things (like tightening and loosening a screw here and there) and of course a place to do all these jobs. And it's funny because i did most of these jobs while my Catera is street parked. And before i forget, the most challenging job i did on the car is replaced the remote/alarm system with an aftermarket one, something with a pager and remote start (while doing it, I thought i would never get it done). And if you are going to ask where i got all the ideas from, it's from this forum and nowhere else. And remember, if you fail doing it yourself, you can always go to a mechanic.