P2442 code meaning
AIR System Switching Valve Stuck Open (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P2442 means
P2442 is the stuck-open fault of the bank 2 secondary air valve: with the pump on and the valve commanded shut, air still passes, or exhaust flows back towards the pump. Lexus applies it to the 2010–2013 GX 460 with the 1UR-FE engine; bulletin L-SB-0028-14 replaces the bank 2 air switching valve and the pump, because a damaged pump filter sheds debris. Toyota's T-SB-0033-17 does the same for the 2012 Tacoma 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) when P2440, P2442 or P2445 are stored. Subaru lists P2442 for the 2011–2015 WRX STI. Hot exhaust gas passing an open path can melt hoses and ruin the pump, so the fault should not be left for long. Bank 1 uses P2440, the stuck-closed counterpart is P2443.
P2442 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2442
- Check engine lamp after a cold start
- Pump noise or later pump failure
- Melted or brittle air hoses
Common causes of P2442
- Most likelyBank 2 valve held open by debris from the pump filter
- PossibleValve seat or diaphragm damaged by heat or condensate
- Less likelyActuator does not close the valve
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Secondary air switching valveSecondary air pump
What each part of P2442 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 42 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2442 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 P2442
What does P2442 mean?
P2442 means "AIR System Switching Valve Stuck Open (Bank 2)". P2442 is the stuck-open fault of the bank 2 secondary air valve: with the pump on and the valve commanded shut, air still passes, or exhaust flows back towards the pump. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2442?
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 P2442 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2442 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 P2442 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2442 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.