P2446 code meaning
AIR System Pump Stuck On (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P2446 means
P2446 is the bank 2 entry for a secondary air pump that keeps running after being switched off. The code is meaningful only on engines with a separate pump per cylinder bank or where the system reports pump faults per bank; no manufacturer documents this code publicly. By analogy with GM's bank 1 code P2444, the check would run after the pump is commanded off and look for duct pressure that stays above the model, which points to a stuck relay, a shorted driver or a pump with an internal fault. Under CARB rules, AIR pumps, relays and valves count as comprehensive components and need their own monitoring. A pump that never stops can overheat, wear out quickly and load the battery. P2447 is the stuck-off code for bank 2; P2444 covers bank 1.
P2446 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2446
- Check engine lamp
- Pump keeps humming after the warm-up phase
Common causes of P2446
- Most likelyRelay of the bank 2 pump stuck closed
- PossibleControl circuit shorted to power
- Less likelyFaulty output driver in the engine computer
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Secondary air pump b2Secondary air relay
What each part of P2446 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). |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2446 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 P2446
What does P2446 mean?
P2446 means "AIR System Pump Stuck On (Bank 2)". P2446 is the bank 2 entry for a secondary air pump that keeps running after being switched off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2446?
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 P2446 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2446 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 P2446 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2446 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.