P2444: AIR System Pump Stuck On (Bank 1)

P2444 means the secondary air pump keeps blowing after the engine computer has switched it off. GM checks this in phase 3 of its sequence, with the pump commanded off and the valve closed: if duct pressure stays higher than predicted – by more than 1.5 kPa within 5 s on the 2005–2006 3.8L V6, by more than 4.2 kPa within 10 s for the 2006 V8s in Corvette and CTS-V – the code sets as Type A and lights the MIL on the first trip; the 2018 tables keep the Type A rating. The usual culprit is a welded or sticking pump relay or a driver circuit shorted to power, less often a pump with internal damage. A pump that never stops can overheat and drain the battery. P2445 is the stuck-off fault, P2446 the bank 2 code.

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.

Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Inline engines only have this bank.

Symptoms

Check engine lamp on the first trip
Pump audibly running long after start or with engine off
Discharged battery

Most likely causes

Pump relay contacts welded or sticking
Relay control circuit shorted to power
Output driver in the engine computer faulty

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Listen for the pump running during a cold start
Use the scanner to command the movement and compare the actual position with the requested one.
Check the fuse and relay
Inspect the hoses and valve for moisture or carbon
Run the actuator test with the scanner

Good to know

Repair difficulty: easy
It affects emissions.

What each character of P2444 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
2: Generic code: same on every make
4: Emissions
44: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P2444?

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 P2444?

The most common causes are: pump relay contacts welded or sticking; relay control circuit shorted to power; output driver in the engine computer faulty.

Related codes

Sources

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.