P2442: AIR System Switching Valve Stuck Open Bank 2
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes, with the same caveats as its bank 1 twin - possible reduced power mode and a certain emissions test failure until repaired.
Symptoms
- Prolonged pump noise after cold start
- Check engine light
- Reduced power mode on affected trucks
- Often paired with the bank 1 valve code
Likely causes, most common first
- Bank 2 switching valve stuck open
- Moisture corrosion from the shared pump
- Carbon deposits in the valve
- Control fault in the valve's driver circuit
Read P2442 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P2442 moves the stuck-open complaint to the bank 2 switching valve - the other side of the same V engine, fed by the same air pump. The mechanism and the moisture story are identical to P2440, and the two codes frequently arrive together or within months of each other, because both valves drink from the same corroding source.
That pairing drives the repair math. Valves are priced individually, but labor overlaps heavily, and a pump already passing moisture will take a lone new valve down with it. When both banks have complained, the system-level kit - pump plus both valves - is usually the honest quote even though it stings more up front. As with bank 1: bypass kits silence the code by deleting the system, which is an inspection failure waiting to happen, and worth checking against any goodwill coverage before paying out of pocket.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P2442
“It loses power, my 2009 toyota tundra with less than 90,000 miles , just decelerates and went down to 30 miles per hour in the freeway, I used a carmd reading to give me a code, and it shows that the code was p2442, it will cost me $2,500 or more to fix it. The engine red light, vsc and 4lo will show in the dash. *tr”2009 Toyota Tundra · Jun 2020 · 89,735 mi
“My 2012 tacoma warning light 1) engine and 2 trac off warning light came on and lost power going 65 mph on freeway and would not go over 25 mph (dangerous!). Obd-ii scanner displayed error code check p2442 indicating faulty air injection pumps and/or air switching valves. *tr”2012 Toyota Tacoma · May 2020 · 91,000 mi
“On my 2012 tacoma the code p2440 and p2442 which represent a stuck open valve in the secondary air injection system. Upon my research into this issue on forums I have learned this is a common problem with the toyota systems particularly the 2012 tacoma. The cost of the part is about 400 to 500 dollars for the valves and another 500 dollars for the secondary air injection pump. The failure will place the vehicle into a limp mode and has to be fixed in order to the truck to keep on good working condition. It seems like this error has affected many tacoma owners. *tr”2012 Toyota Tacoma · Apr 2020 · 103,000 mi
Show 7 more owner reports
“Failure of the secondary air injection system p2440 and p2442, while the vehicle was moving onto a city street from a parking lot. When accelerating immediately there was a decrease in power and the check engine light along with the "trac off" light illuminating simultaneously. The vehicle has a now maximum speed of around 55 mph and extremely slow to accelerate being almost dangerous on busier roads. After being check out by a the dealer it was found to be the secondary air injection system which is covered by an extended warranty but parts are on back-order.”2012 Toyota Tacoma · Dec 2019 · 91,500 mi
“About 2 weeks ago my truck was hesitating and my check engine/off trac light was on. The car would not go above 40mph on city streets or highway. I went to a toyota dealer in puerto rico, they said the codes were p0052, p0456, p2140, p2442 secondary air injection system is bad and would cost $2,458.08 for repairs. I don't know if it is covered by any warranty. It is a 2012 toyota tacoma pre-runner.”2012 Toyota Tacoma · Jul 2019 · 77,500 mi
“NHTSA id #10140591 was the campaign that my truck was warrantied under, I am exactly 64 days outside of toyota's extended warranty and my truck started throwing code p2442 bank 2 secondary air injector valve staying open, a known issue with this truck. I asked toyota only for assistance and not the complete repair and 3 reps flat out said no we did our part. The car was fine yesterday and today started it to go to work and my traction control, 4lo, vsc, engine light were all on, my truck went into "limp mode" toyota usa was useless.”2008 Toyota Tundra · May 2019 · 120,000 mi
“During normal driving, the check engine light and traction control off light came on and truck immediately went in to limp-home mode. I had it scanned for codes at the local auto parts store and it came back with p2440 and p2442 which seems like a common issue with a valve in the secondary air injection system. I quick google search showed that some 2012 tacoma owners are getting this covered under a special warranty extension, so I puttered over to the toyota dealership expecting to hear the same story, but they are telling me the ecm computer is bad. Which I am trying to get clarification on since I can't find any ecm failure issues for this make and model year.”2012 Toyota Tacoma · Apr 2019 · 144,000 mi
“Known issue with the secondary air valve. Throws the code p2442 vehicle goes into safe mode. Dealerships want about $2,000 to fix it. Recommending the fan-blower as will to double the amount. This is known issue from all that I have read and the dealership that I purchased it from in va last year didn't mention this at all or offer any kind of warranty to cover potential issues.”2012 Toyota Tacoma · Feb 2019
“Having trouble with my vehicles secondary air injection system, replacement parts are super expensive and have seen many people have the same issue, seems like a non-reliable component. Always get the fault codes p2440 and p2442. I strongly beleive that this is a defective component.”2012 Toyota Tacoma · Feb 2019
“The check eng & trac off light came on while I was on the interstate and almost got struck from the vehicle behind me. My truck went into limp mode & slowed down to 2500 rpms & wouldn't go any faster than 25 mph!! This is a hazard as I have read other complaints about this happening to others, it is a known issue to toyota, they have repaired the tundra's but so far am not showing any recall on the tacoma's. Error p2442 secondary air injector failure. This is the 2nd time this has happened to me. Scary! Please beware 2012 tacoma owners! Merry christmas to me! $2000 repair!”2012 Toyota Tacoma · Dec 2018 · 80,000 mi
Cars that report P2442 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P2442?
Yes, with the same caveats as its bank 1 twin - possible reduced power mode and a certain emissions test failure until repaired.
How much does it cost to fix P2442?
Typical US repair costs range from $100 for the simplest fix (switching valve replacement) to $1,800 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P2442. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.