The switching valve is the electrically driven valve of this path – a solenoid valve, or on Pierburg/VW systems an electric changeover valve that applies vacuum to the pneumatic combination valve; valve A serves the first path or bank 1, valve B the second. P0417 means the control circuit of valve B is shorted. As with valve A (P0414), a short to ground keeps the valve open, while a short to supply or a shorted coil overloads the driver, which is then often switched off for the rest of the trip. Subaru names P0417 for its two-valve system, with valve B on bank 2.
Low severity. Can I keep driving?Yes, you can keep driving, though it should be repaired: the car pollutes more at startup and may not pass an inspection.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Secondary air inactive on bank 2
- Secondary air readiness not set (emission test)
- Driving normal
Most likely causes
- Coil of valve B with shorted turns (water ingress)
- Wire chafed against ground or supply
- Connector corroded
- Engine module
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: easy
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0417 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 4: Emissions
- 17: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0417?
Yes, you can keep driving, though it should be repaired: the car pollutes more at startup and may not pass an inspection.
What causes code P0417?
The most common causes are: coil of valve B with shorted turns (water ingress); wire chafed against ground or supply; connector corroded.
Related codes
- P0415AIR System Switching Valve B Circuit
- P0416AIR System Switching Valve B Circuit Open
- P0414AIR System Switching Valve A Circuit Shorted
- P2442AIR System Switching Valve Stuck Open (Bank 2)
- P2443AIR System Switching Valve Stuck Closed (Bank 2)
Sources
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10235914 9999
- techtips.ie: obd and secondary air system finding and remedying
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.