P2442 on Lexus: How to Diagnose & Fix
Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open (Bank 2)
1 Lexus model · 2 documented issues · $800-$3,500 repair
P2442 on Lexus by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The secondary air injection (SAI) system pump and switching valves fail when debris from the air injection pump passes downstream and contaminates the valves. The SAI pump introduces fresh air into the exhaust during cold starts to reduce emissions, but debris from the pump causes the switching valves to stick. This triggers a check engine light with SAI-related codes.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P2440/P2441 or P1441/P1444 codes
- Rough idle on cold start
- Failed emissions inspection
- Whirring noise from passenger side of engine on cold start
How to Fix
Replace the secondary air injection pump and switching valves. Clean or replace the air injection check valves. Clear codes and verify operation. Some owners in non-emissions-testing states choose to bypass the system entirely with a tune.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- 17600-0F010 genuine Lexus secondary-air injection pumpOEM17600-0F010
Replace a commanded-test-confirmed failed secondary-air pump Fitment/availability: Live page explicitly fits 2004-2009 GX470 2UZ-FE/UZJ120. It does not verify the issue's 2003 year.
- 25710-50022 genuine Lexus secondary-air switching/diverter valveOEM25710-50022
Replace the diagnosed failed main air-switching/diverter valve Fitment/availability: Live page explicitly fits 2004-2009 GX470 2UZ-FE and supersedes 25710-50020/21.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipReplace both the pump AND the switching valves at the same time — if one has failed, the other is likely close behind. The valves are $150 each but save a second repair.
Sources for this issue (2)
The secondary air injection system pumps air into the exhaust on cold start to light the catalysts faster. On the GX 460 the failure starts at the pump. The foam filter inside the air injection pump disintegrates with age and the debris is drawn into the system, blocking the air switching valves and lines downstream. The Lexus campaign notice says moisture degrades this filter, and the damage then spreads to the air switching valves. Either failure sets emissions codes and drops the vehicle into limp mode, which owners experience as a sudden dramatic loss of power on a cold morning, usually on the first drive of the day. Lexus addressed the defect for 2010-2013 GX 460 vehicles with the 1UR-FE engine in technical bulletin L-SB-0028-14, covering MIL-on conditions with DTC P0418, P2440, P2442 and/or P2445, and in Special Service Campaign JLG, under which the pump filter and air switching valves are replaced at no charge with no year or mileage limit. This is the same architecture that troubles the 2010-2013 Tundra, Sequoia, and LX 570.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of power and limp mode on cold start
- Check engine light with secondary air injection codes
- Loud whirring or buzzing from the engine bay on cold start
- Rough running for the first minute after a cold start
- Failed emissions test
How to Fix
Before paying for anything, check the VIN against Lexus Special Service Campaign JLG (repair procedure in bulletin L-SB-0028-14): for affected 2010-2013 GX 460 vehicles the dealer replaces the air injection pump filter with an improved-design part and replaces the air switching valves free of charge, and will replace the air injection pump itself as needed at no cost. Many owners pay several thousand dollars for this repair without ever learning the campaign exists, so make this call first. If the vehicle is outside the campaign, diagnose which half has failed before buying parts, because the pump and the valves are priced very differently. Pull the codes and inspect the pump's foam filter — if it has disintegrated, replacing valves alone guarantees a repeat failure because the debris is still in the system, so the lines must be cleared too. Bulletin L-SB-0028-14 replaces parts by code: P2440 calls for the Bank 1 valve plus the pump, P2442 for the Bank 2 valve plus the pump, and P0418 and/or P2445 alone for both valves plus the pump. Fit the improved-design filter so the failure does not recur. Some owners fit an aftermarket bypass or delete to escape the failure loop, but understand that this defeats an emissions control device, will fail inspection in most states, and is illegal to perform on a road vehicle.
Sources for this issue (4)
P2442 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P2442 mean on a Lexus?
P2442 stands for "Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open (Bank 2)." This is an emissions-system code, and it's the opposite condition of P2443. The secondary air injection system briefly pumps fresh air into the exhaust after a cold start so the catalytic converter warms up and cleans pollutants more quickly. P2442 means the switching (changeover) valve on Bank 2 — the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1 — appears stuck in the open position, allowing air to flow when it shouldn't. The computer detects this through pressure/flow sensing or by seeing an oxygen-sensor reading that's leaner than expected when the air pump should be off. It's an emissions and inspection issue, not a drivability emergency. On Lexus it is documented across 1 model: GX.
What are the most common causes of P2442?
The most common causes of P2442 are: Switching/changeover valve stuck or sticking open (Bank 2), Carbon, debris or corrosion holding the valve open, Failed vacuum or electric solenoid controlling the valve, Vacuum hose leak, crack or wrong routing to the valve, Leaking or failed check/combination valve, Wiring or connector fault to the control solenoid. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P2442 on a Lexus?
Published repair estimates on Lexus range from $800 to $3,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P2442 on a different make?
View P2442 across all makes →Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.