Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit Open
The P0413 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit Open. This is a low severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $80 - $300 (parts and labor)
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What Are the Symptoms of P0413?
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- No drivability issues during normal operation
- Secondary air system does not activate on cold start
- Failed emissions test
What Causes P0413? (Most Likely First)
- Open circuit in switching valve wiring harness Very High
- Disconnected or damaged switching valve connector High
- Failed switching valve solenoid (open coil) Moderate
- Blown fuse in secondary air circuit Moderate
Can I Still Drive with P0413?
Yes, but fix soon. P0413 is rated low severity. It is not an immediate stop-driving fault, but it will not clear itself — book the repair rather than ignoring the light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0413?
Yes. This code only affects the secondary air injection system which operates during cold starts. Normal driving is unaffected, but the code will cause an emissions test failure.
What does circuit open mean for P0413?
Circuit open means there is a break in the electrical path -- either a disconnected connector, a broken wire, or a burned-out solenoid coil that no longer conducts electricity.
Can a blown fuse cause P0413?
Yes. A blown fuse in the secondary air system circuit will prevent power from reaching the switching valve solenoid, which the ECM detects as an open circuit.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
How Do You Diagnose P0413?
-
Check the switching valve connector for disconnection or damage
-
Measure solenoid resistance -- an open reading (OL) confirms a burned-out coil
-
Check for continuity in the wiring from the ECM to the switching valve
-
Verify the secondary air system fuse is intact
-
Apply 12V to the solenoid to test -- no click indicates an open coil
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Which Vehicles Commonly Get P0413?
- 2002-2012 BMW 528i
- 2003-2014 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2004-2015 Audi A6
- 2005-2016 Subaru Legacy
- 2006-2017 Toyota Tacoma
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