P2445: AIR System Pump Stuck Off Bank 1
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes - a dead air pump is an emissions problem, not a safety one. Some trucks respond with reduced power mode, which is the main nuisance.
Symptoms
- Silence where the cold-start pump noise used to be
- Check engine light
- Failed emissions readiness
- Reduced power mode on affected trucks
Likely causes, most common first
- Pump motor seized by water ingestion
- Blown pump fuse or failed relay
- Wiring fault to the pump
- Valves stuck letting moisture reach the pump
Read P2445 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
P2445 says the secondary air pump on bank 1 stayed off when commanded on - the computer watches the airflow or pressure that should follow and saw none. The most common autopsy is drowning: exhaust moisture that leaked backward through tired check valves sits in the pump between drives, and electric motors do not forgive standing water.
The fuse deserves its moment first - a seizing pump often blows it as a final act, and an owner who replaces just the fuse gets one more cold start before it blows again, which is itself diagnostic. The deeper point is the system logic: a drowned pump convicts the valves that let water reach it, which is why pump-only replacements into old valves so often come back under warranty. The pump-plus-valves kit exists because shops got tired of that conversation.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P2445
“Secondary air injection system pump stuck off bank1 code p2445. This issue is a common problem for lexus gx-470. Lexus extended warranty for repairs. However, the number of complaints from people warrants a recall. This malfunction is manufacturer's fault. The cost to repair at the dealer is around $2,000.”2006 Lexus GX470 · Jan 2019 · 125,000 mi
“I have an 2006 lexus gx470 and these lights came on: ABS, vsc trac, vsc off, skid, and check engine. The vehicle started making a humming noise at start up and now drives in stalled mode. Had codes check and it turns out I have the dreaded secondary air injection system (emissions) defect p0412, p0418 ,p1440/p1443, p1441/p1444, p2440, p2445, p1442/p1145 , which is a recurring problem. Replacement is a nightmare for self repair or a $2000+ repair.”2006 Lexus GX470 · Jun 2018 · 125,000 mi
“Cel code p2442,p2445 dealership says the air switching valve needs to be replaced. I have 75k miles on truck. Dealer is charging me 1200$”2012 Toyota Tacoma · Mar 2017 · 75,000 mi
Cars that report P2445 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P2445?
Yes - a dead air pump is an emissions problem, not a safety one. Some trucks respond with reduced power mode, which is the main nuisance.
How much does it cost to fix P2445?
Typical US repair costs range from $20 for the simplest fix (fuse and relay check) 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 P2445. 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.