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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an air pump check valve?
Where can I get my air pump check valve replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my air pump check valve?
What happens if I don’t replace my air pump check valve?
What is an air pump check valve?
Can I replace my air pump check valve myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace an air pump check valve?

The exact cost to replace your air pump check valve depends on your vehicle and location. But the average cost is around $235. We can break the price down into $153 for replacement parts and $83 for the mechanic’s labor costs.

How long does it take to replace an air pump check valve? While the exact replacement time will vary based on the car, a professional mechanic should complete the service in 30 minutes to an hour.

Here’s a breakdown of air pump check valve replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 24, 2024	Polly, 23 Colorado Springs, CO	Dodge Caravan	$226	$142	$83	0.7 Hours
April 24, 2024	Ricardo, 23 Colorado Springs, CO	Plymouth Neon	$226	$142	$83	0.7 Hours
April 24, 2024	Max, 22 Duluth, GA	Tesla Model 3	$335	$259	$76	0.7 Hours
April 22, 2024	Jayden, 26 Bloomington, IL	BMW 335	$198	$142	$56	0.7 Hours
April 16, 2024	Phillip, 35 Auburn, WA	Pontiac Grand Prix	$235	$142	$93	0.7 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my air pump check valve replacement?

You should consult your vehicle repair guide or

owner’s manual

to find exact information for your car, but here’s a list of parts you may need:

Air pump check valve: The replacement valve is the primary part you’ll need for this service. A new one can cost between $50 and $200.

Gasket: Your new air pump check valve may come with a replacement gasket—but if the new valve doesn’t come with a gasket, you should purchase a new one for the replacement. You can pick up a new gasket for between $5 and $20.

Some reputable brands we recommend for air pump check valves are Dorman, ACDelco, and Bosch. Meanwhile, the best gasket brands include Fel-Pro, Victor Reinz, and Mahle. You can typically find these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, Amazon, and Advance Auto Parts. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Where can I buy the parts for my air pump check valve replacement?

For OEM parts, you’ll have to contact your local dealership or authorized parts retailer. You can purchase aftermarket parts from a local auto parts store—like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts—or online retailers like Amazon.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

You should generally go with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts whenever possible, especially if you drive a newer vehicle. These parts are designed by your car’s manufacturer to be the perfect fit for your vehicle. They’re usually high quality and come with a strong warranty.

On the other hand, aftermarket parts tend to have a cheaper price tag and are easier to find. But they may be of lower quality than their OEM counterparts.

There’s not necessarily anything wrong with choosing aftermarket parts to lower your repair costs. But make sure you search for a quality brand and check the part number to confirm it will fit your car.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my air pump check valve replaced?

Finding the right automotive repair shop can be challenging. Fortunately, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

makes it easier by allowing you to compare customer reviews, hourly rates, and repair estimates from thousands of U.S. shops.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ uses actual hourly rates from local shops to provide you with fair price estimates. Use GarageGuard™ to read customer reviews, plan for upcoming maintenance, and learn about diagnostic fees for local shops.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to search for quality repair services in your area.

128 Reviews

Roger's Tire Pros - Meridian

3304 W Ustick Rd, Boise, ID

Air Pump Check Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$212

(Parts - $99, Labor - $113)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$130

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (208) 629-5980

155 Reviews

1 Stop Auto Services

469 Crescent Blvd, Camden, NJ

Air Pump Check Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$179

(Parts - $99, Labor - $80)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$40

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (856) 475-5084

179 Reviews

Dunn Tire - Main St. #7

4401 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY

Air Pump Check Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$199

(Parts - $99, Labor - $100)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$109.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (716) 631-3776

105 Reviews

Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service - Huntington Park #603

2671 Randolph St, Los Angeles, CA

Air Pump Check Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$236

(Parts - $99, Labor - $137)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (323) 583-6855

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my air pump check valve?

Here’s a breakdown of the general steps a mechanic will follow to replace your air pump check valve:

Locate the air pump check valve (on most cars, the valve is near the exhaust manifold)

Disconnect the air outlet hose

Disconnect any electrical connections

Remove the mounting hardware

Remove the old valve and gasket

Clean the mounting surface to remove any bits of the old gasket or debris

Position the new valve and gasket and install the mounting hardware

Reconnect any electrical connectors

Reconnect the outlet hose

What happens if I don’t replace my air pump check valve?

If you have a faulty air pump check valve and don’t replace it, you’ll likely face the following problems:

A check engine light (CEL): Your car’s CEL will likely appear on the dash if the computer system detects a problem with the valve.

Increased emissions: The air pump check valve is part of your car’s emissions control system. If it fails, your vehicle will begin releasing more harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Reduced engine performance: A faulty air pump check valve can affect the engine’s air/fuel mixture, leading to misfires, stalling, and poor fuel economy.

Air pump damage: If the check valve fails, it may allow exhaust fumes to enter the air pump. This can damage the pump and cause it to fail.

Failed emissions test: If your check valve is malfunctioning, you may be unable to pass an emissions test. Depending on where you live, this may result in legal issues.

Costly repairs: If you don’t replace a faulty air pump check valve, you’re likely to develop greater damage to the emissions system and other components. This can result in costly repairs down the road.

What is an air pump check valve?

An air pump check valve—also known as a secondary air injection pump check valve or air pump control valve—is a crucial part of your car’s secondary air injection system.

The secondary air injection system pumps fresh air into the exhaust system to promote a cleaner and more thorough burn. It reduces the amount of harmful pollutants that exit your vehicle and contributes to cleaner air.

The check valve controls the airflow from the air pump or smog pump to the exhaust system. It allows air to flow one way from the pump into the exhaust system and stops exhaust gases from flowing backward into the pump.

When should I replace my air pump check valve?

Since there isn’t a set replacement schedule for the air pump check valve, you’ll only need to replace yours when it fails. These are the most common signs that you have a malfunctioning check valve:

Exhaust odor: One of the most common signs of air pump check valve failure is a strong odor of exhaust fumes. This results from exhaust gases leaking from the valve housing or through the valve back into the air pump.

Failed emissions test: If you have a bad air pump check valve, you’ll most likely fail an emissions test. This can lead to legal consequences depending on where you live.

Check engine light (CEL): If the car’s computer system detects a problem with the secondary air injection system, the CEL will likely appear on your dash. Remember that this light can appear for many reasons, and you’ll need to use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scan tool to identify the actual cause.

Poor engine performance: A faulty check valve can cause your engine performance to suffer due to an incorrect air/fuel mixture. You may experience a rough idle, misfires, and reduced power.

Keep in mind: These issues can indicate other problems, like a bad catalytic converter or clogged air filter. To accurately diagnose your problem, you should contact a professional mechanic.

How often should I replace my air pump check valve?

There is no set mileage or time-based replacement schedule for the air pump check valve—you should only have to replace yours if it fails. Some of the most common signs of valve failure include an illuminated check engine light, a failed emissions test, and a strong exhaust fume odor.

Can I replace my air pump check valve myself?

Generally, an air pump check valve replacement is classified as an intermediate-level repair job. While it may make an excellent DIY project for confident home mechanics, it may be too complex for novices.

If you’re confident in your mechanical abilities and have access to the proper tools, you shouldn’t have any issues replacing the valve. But if you’re inexperienced or uncomfortable performing the repair yourself, it’s best to let a professional mechanic handle the job.

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FAQs

What does a check valve do on an air pump?

The check valve in a secondary air injection system controls the airflow from the air pump into the exhaust system. The valve allows air to flow one way from the pump to the exhaust pipe but prevents exhaust gases from moving backward into the pump.

Can a check valve be repaired?

Air pump check valves are generally not repairable. Instead, if yours malfunctions, you’ll have to replace it. Luckily, an air pump check valve replacement is relatively easy and inexpensive.

How does an air pump check valve work?

An air pump check valve is a one-way valve that allows air to flow from the air pump into the exhaust system and prevents exhaust gas from flowing backward into the pump.

Check valves usually work using a moveable mechanism, like a flap, disc, or ball inside a housing. As the air flows from the pump to the exhaust system, it pushes open the mechanism. But if exhaust gases flow backward, the mechanism is forced against its seat, preventing the flap or disc from opening and allowing the gases to enter the pump.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.