Secondary Air Injection Valve (AIP)

So the other day I had the dreaded limp mode. Mechanic confirmed that the secondary air injection valve was stuck open and that it would be $2800 to repair. After researching, I decided to bypass that system, as it was all replaced under warranty once before in 2013. There are two systems available, a Rutech and Hewitt-tech. The Rutech is cheaper, but doesn't come with a wire that engages the bypass whenever the key is turned. In other words, if you left the key in the on position, it would render the bypass useless when you tried to start the engine. I discovered that there is something different about the 08's that makes the Rutech systems malfunction on some trucks as well. After talking with both companies, I felt Hewitt tech was more knowledgable and more professional over all. They also had a kit wired specifically for 08's that resolved those issues, so that helped too. The harness part is totally plug and play, but the plates that block the exhaust port were a pain in the butt. The key was a well placed crowbar. Anyways, works perfectly. Codes eliminated. Saved my family $2500 today and the install looks totally factory. Just wanted to give an update. Oh, I called Toyota, and they told me to suck an egg.....that they had fully satisfied their end of the bargain and that the replaced parts in 2013 weren't guaranteed not to wear out again. Happy spending! Hope this helps someone doing research.

 

Going through this now. What a nightmare. I'm happy that you were able to handle it yourself. I bought a toyota because they had a reputation for handling things like this and the last time I tried to fix something complicated I ended up having to buy my Tundra because I caused more damage than I fixed on the old vehicle. No doubt in my mind that trying to fix this myself will end in the same result lol

 

@sdhq_offroad has a kit too

 

Good to see you got it fixed with the bypass and saved money. The AIP system is such a failure, Toyota really dropped the ball on this. I had this system fail on my Tacoma, at relatively low mileage so I feel your pain.

 

Still running great! Couldn't be happier with the bypass. The hardest part was the cut off plates on the exhaust, but with some patience and ingenuity, its doable for most do it your selfers.

 

Just got this code again, this time bank 1. I am looking at purchasing the Hewitt kit also, hoping for good results!

 

Question, if you install the bypass while the system is still operational, do you also need to install the block off plates?

Jim

 

You should. The bypass kit essentially keeps the system from running, and the block off plates help seal everything off so no more air is sucked in.

 

Is this a issue for all model years

 

I'm not sure about the newer models, but it was fairly common from about 05-12.

 

I went to the Hewitt site and they have the bypass systems only up to 2012.

 

What year do you have? That could be all that they make? Call them and talk to them, they are very knowledgeable about their products, and do all the testing in house. They are actually about 20 minutes away from me, so I just drove by and picked mine up.

 

Haven’t heard any instances of this being an issue on a 3rd gens (15+).

 

I have a 2017

 

Is the photo the actual place the bypass kit attached to?

 

Yeah, what you are seeing is the bypass harness connected to the original harness. It's plug and play. Where that loom heads off to the right is a little electronic deal that adheres to the backside of that plastic panel. You can't see it unless you know precisely what you are looking for. It all looks factory.

 

Nice fix, 2014 here with 67k miles no problems with it yet. Makes me want the DAP tune which fixes the AIP problem plus other improvements

 

Had your ecm been reflashed when the Aip was replaced? I just installed bypass it worked for 100+ miles now it just goes right back into limp mode everyone's saying ECM reflash caused AIP to constantly check resulting in CEL VSC lights.

If so, Toyota has permanently lost my loyalty... Not only do you give us a faulty product you make our fix inoperable so you can keep suckering $2500 out of us? Not cool