P0413 code meaning
AIR System Switching Valve A Circuit Open
Powertrain system Generic code P04xx codes Check engine light
What P0413 means
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. P0413 means the control circuit of valve A is open: with the driver switched off the module does not see the expected supply or pull-up level. The check runs continuously. Subaru's two-valve system assigns valve A to bank 1, and its bulletin advises checking the valve of the other bank as well. The valve stays shut and the bank gets no secondary air; flow codes such as P0411 may follow.
P0413 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0413
- Check engine light on
- Secondary air inactive
- Secondary air readiness not set (emissions test)
- Driving normal
Common causes of P0413
- Most likelyWire to the valve open or connector loose or corroded
- Most likelyValve coil burnt out
- PossibleFuse of the valve supply blown
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Air switching valve aAir combination valveValve wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0413 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 13 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0413 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0413
What does P0413 mean?
P0413 means "AIR System Switching Valve A Circuit Open". 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. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0413?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0413 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0413 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0413 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0413 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.