exhaust

Secondary Air Injection Pump

for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
10
Steps
12

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the secondary air injection pump, which supplies air to the exhaust system during cold starts to reduce emissions.

Warnings

⚠️Perform this work only when the engine is completely cold. Exhaust components can cause severe burns.
The secondary air injection pump is located near the exhaust manifold. Ensure adequate cooling time before beginning work.
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery will reset radio presets and may require window auto-up/down re-initialization.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
14mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Flathead screwdriver
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Work light
Jack and jack stands
Wire brush

Parts

  • Secondary air injection pump × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Air pump mounting gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Air injection hose clamps × 2 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine has been off for at least 2 hours and is completely cool to the touch
  2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
  4. Disconnect negative battery cable using 10mm socket
  5. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover clips
  6. For better access, raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands (optional but recommended)

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Locate the secondary air injection pump on the passenger side of the engine bay, mounted below the intake manifold. Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull firmly to disconnect the wiring harness from the pump motor.
  2. 2
    Remove air inlet hose
    Loosen the hose clamp securing the fresh air inlet hose to the pump intake using a flathead screwdriver or 8mm socket. Twist the hose gently to break it free from the pump inlet and move it aside. Inspect the hose for cracks or deterioration.
  3. 3
    Disconnect outlet air hose
    Loosen the hose clamp on the air delivery hose that connects the pump outlet to the check valve. Remove the hose from the pump discharge port. Note the routing for reinstallation.
  4. 4
    Remove heat shield
    Remove the heat shield bolts protecting the pump from exhaust heat using a 10mm socket. There are typically 2-3 bolts securing the shield. Carefully remove the heat shield and set aside for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Remove pump mounting bolts
    Using a 12mm socket with extension, remove the two or three mounting bolts securing the secondary air injection pump to its bracket. Support the pump with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
    The pump is heavier than it appears. Support it properly to avoid dropping it onto other components.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Remove pump assembly
    Carefully maneuver the pump assembly out of the engine bay. It may be necessary to angle it to clear surrounding components. Remove the mounting gasket from the bracket and discard.
  7. 7
    Inspect mounting area
    Clean the mounting bracket surface with a wire brush to remove any corrosion or old gasket material. Inspect the mounting bracket for cracks or damage. Check the condition of the check valve in the air delivery line.
  8. 8
    Install new pump
    Position the new mounting gasket on the bracket. Carefully position the new secondary air injection pump into the mounting bracket, ensuring the gasket remains properly aligned. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening.
  9. 9
    Torque mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the pump mounting bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reinstall heat shield
    Position the heat shield over the pump and install the mounting bolts. Torque to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec
    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect air hoses
    Connect the air delivery hose to the pump outlet port and secure with the hose clamp, ensuring a tight fit. Connect the fresh air inlet hose to the pump intake and tighten the clamp. Verify both hoses are fully seated and clamps are positioned correctly.
  12. 12
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the pump motor until you hear and feel a positive click indicating it is fully seated. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly until all clips engage
  2. Reconnect negative battery cable and torque to 10 Nm
  3. If vehicle was raised, lower from jack stands
  4. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner

Verification

  • Start the engine and listen for abnormal noises from the pump area during the first 60-90 seconds of cold start operation
  • Verify the secondary air injection pump activates during cold start (you should hear the pump motor running for approximately 60-120 seconds)
  • Check for air leaks at all hose connections while pump is operating
  • Ensure no check engine light illuminates after driving through a complete warm-up cycle
  • Use a scan tool to verify no air injection system fault codes are present after test drive

More procedures for this vehicle

🔓 LIBERATED FOREVER
The 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 repair data is free for every DIYer and shop on earth, permanently, because Simon-Olivier Ricci paid $99 to unlock it.
Mitchell1 charges $169/mo for this. ALLDATAdiy charges $30/yr per vehicle. Open Labor Project is free permanently, because of community sponsors like Simon-Olivier.
Free another vehicle →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →