P2443 - can I get away with only block off plates?

I pulled the code. Air injection valve is stuck closed. The dealer updated the software already. I'm wondering if I need the full Gen 2 Hewitt Kit or if I can get away with only the block off plates. I don't have emissions testing so I don't care about the code, just stopping more damage from happening.

 

You will need the Gen 2 kit the block off plates just prevent heat from the exhaust manifold from damaging the pressure sensors in the valves

 

So installing the plates will protect the sensors, but what happens if I just never clear the code? Will it go into limp mode?

 

Yes since you did nothing to fix the problem electrically. With the Gen 2 kit you will never have a problem with the SAIS again. Mine had failed twice the first failure was fixed under warranty @ 135k miles the 2nd failure was @ 250k miles I went with the Gen 2 kit I have had no issues since I now have 260k miles

With the Gen 2 kit you replace the driver module which will tell the ECU that it doesn’t have to run the SAIS at a cold start up. Hewitt is a small operation you can call the owner if you have any questions he is more than happy to talk on the phone

 

My valves failed and would put me in lip mode. At first I could just clear them but later the codes would come back immediately. The valves just work for 45 seconds on a cold start up. Once you get the truck warmed up you can reset the codes but every cold start they will come back and likely put you in limp mode. I bought the Hewitt kit to fix the problem. Like you we dont have emissions testing. The kit worked perfectly. I did not put the plates in at first but one of the valves was stuck open and would put me back in limp mode. I installed the plates and it has run perfectly since. To replace the valves it quite extensive because you have to take the upper part of the engine off to get to the valves. Plus even replacing them they will eventually fail again. The Hewitt kit works perfectly and I did not have to disassemble the whole top of the engine and all the problems that could arise from disconnecting all the cables and wires. The kit was about $400.00 when i bought it but has worked perfectly for over 2 years. The kit just fakes out the computer to open and close the valves virtually.

If you decide to update the valves the pumps can also have problems due to water getting in them. So the Hewitt kit bypasses all of that and took about an hour to install. I did keep all the old parts. Basically the system is two new modules to replace existing modules on the drivers side under the hood on the inner fender. Plus the blocking plates. With the valve stuck open exhaust enters the pumps and there is a sensor that senses the back pressure and puts you in limp mode.

You can drive safely in limp mode but every hill you go up the truck just slows down slower and slower and you cannot get any acceleration. In a big city that could be dangerous. The cost benefit analysis of replacing all the air pump parts, the updated pump air intake, the valves and tearing it apart is very good buying the Hewitt kit. There is no cheap way to fix a built in defect of the air pumps and air valves. Pay me now or pay me later.