P0417 code meaning
AIR System Switching Valve B Circuit Shorted
Powertrain system Generic code P04xx codes Check engine light
What P0417 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. 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.
P0417 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 P0417
- Check engine light on
- Secondary air inactive on bank 2
- Secondary air readiness not set (emissions test)
- Driving normal
Common causes of P0417
- Most likelyCoil of valve B with shorted turns (water ingress)
- PossibleWire chafed against ground or supply
- PossibleConnector corroded
- 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 bAir combination valveValve wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0417 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). |
| 17 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0417 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 P0417
What does P0417 mean?
P0417 means "AIR System Switching Valve B Circuit Shorted". 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 P0417?
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 P0417 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0417 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 P0417 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 P0417 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.