exhaust
Secondary Air Injection Pump
for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
9
Steps
12
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the secondary air injection pump on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including electrical disconnection, hose removal, and mounting hardware replacement.
Warnings
⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Exhaust components and secondary air system can remain extremely hot for over an hour after engine shutdown.
⚠Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes before working on electrical components to prevent airbag deployment and electrical shorts.
ℹ️The secondary air injection pump is located on the driver's side of the engine bay, mounted to the inner fender well area.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
13mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (5-60 Nm range)Essential
Panel removal tool set
Extension set (3-inch and 6-inch)Essential
Flat-head screwdriver
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Shop towels
Work light
Parts
- Secondary air injection pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Secondary air pump inlet hose (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Secondary air check valve (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes
- Remove engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on cover clips
- Document electrical connector orientations with photos for reference during reassembly
Procedure
- 1Access the secondary air injection pumpRemove the driver's side inner fender splash shield or access panel. Remove the plastic push clips and fasteners securing the shield. You may only need to remove the forward section for access. Pull the shield away to expose the secondary air pump mounted on the inner fender area.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the secondary air injection pump. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the pump. Secure the connector away from the work area to prevent damage.
- 3Remove air inlet hoseLoosen the hose clamp securing the air inlet hose to the secondary air pump intake. Use a flat-head screwdriver or appropriate tool depending on clamp type. Twist and pull the hose off the pump inlet. Inspect the hose for cracks or damage and replace if necessary.
- 4Disconnect outlet hose and check valveLocate the outlet hose connection from the pump to the check valve. Loosen the hose clamp and remove the hose from the pump outlet. If the check valve is integrated with the pump or requires replacement, disconnect it from the system at this time. Inspect the check valve for proper operation (should allow air flow in one direction only).
- 5Remove pump mounting boltsLocate the mounting bolts securing the secondary air injection pump to the bracket on the inner fender. Typically there are 2-3 mounting bolts. Remove these bolts completely and set aside. Support the pump as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 6Remove secondary air injection pumpCarefully extract the secondary air injection pump from the engine bay. Maneuver it past any obstructions. If resistance is felt, verify all hoses and electrical connections have been disconnected. Place the old pump aside on a clean work surface.
- 7Prepare new pump for installationUnbox the new secondary air injection pump and verify it matches the original unit. Check that all mounting points align and electrical connector is the same type. If the check valve is separate, ensure it is installed in the correct orientation (arrow indicating flow direction toward exhaust manifold).
- 8Install new secondary air injection pumpPosition the new pump into the mounting location on the inner fender. Align the mounting holes with the bracket. Thread the mounting bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a star pattern to the specified torque of 31 Nm (23 lb-ft).Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect outlet hose and check valveConnect the outlet hose from the pump to the check valve or secondary air system piping. Ensure the hose is seated fully onto the barbed fitting. Position the hose clamp over the hose and tighten securely. Verify the check valve arrow points toward the exhaust manifold if visible.
- 10Reconnect air inlet hoseInstall the air inlet hose onto the pump intake fitting. Push the hose fully onto the barbed fitting until it bottoms out. Position the hose clamp over the connection point and tighten securely. Ensure the hose routing does not contact hot engine components or moving parts.
- 11Reconnect electrical connectorPlug the electrical connector onto the secondary air injection pump until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place. Ensure the connector seal is properly seated to prevent moisture intrusion.
- 12Reinstall access panels and finishReinstall the inner fender splash shield or access panel. Secure all push clips and fasteners. Reinstall the engine cover if removed. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Hand-tighten the battery clamp and then snug with a wrench.
Reassembly
- Ensure all hose clamps are tight and hoses are properly routed away from heat sources
- Verify electrical connector is fully seated and locked
- Double-check all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
- Confirm no tools or parts are left in the engine bay
Verification
- Start the engine and listen for abnormal noises from the secondary air pump area during cold start
- The secondary air pump should operate for approximately 1-2 minutes during cold start, then shut off
- Check for air leaks at all hose connections by listening for hissing sounds
- Verify no check engine light illuminates related to secondary air system (P0410, P0411, P0412 codes)
- Monitor system operation through several cold start cycles over the next few days
- Inspect the work area for any fluid leaks or loose components after test drive