P2445 on Lexus: How to Diagnose & Fix
Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck Off Bank 1
1 Lexus model · 1 documented issue
P2445 on Lexus by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The secondary air injection system pumps air into the exhaust on cold start to light the catalysts faster. On the GX 460 it fails in two related ways. 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. Separately, and in the large majority of failures, the diverter or air switching valve corrodes from moisture contamination. 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 acknowledged the defect for 2010-2013 GX 460 vehicles with the 1UR-FE engine in a Special Service Campaign (bulletin L-SB-0028-14) covering MIL-on conditions with DTC P0418, P2440, P2442 and/or P2445, under which the pump filter and air switching valves are replaced at no charge. 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 the Lexus Special Service Campaign (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. If the pump filter is intact, the odds strongly favor a corroded diverter or air switching valve. 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)
- Lexus Special Service Campaign L-SB-0028-14 — Secondary Air Injection System (2010-2013 GX 460)tsb
- GX460 check engine light, P2440, P2442, P2445 and/or P0418 — CarSpecarticle
- 11 Most Common Lexus GX 460 Problems (Explained) — Engine Patrolarticle
- 2010-2013 GX 460 Special Service Campaign — IH8MUD Forumforum
P2445 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 P2445 mean on a Lexus?
P2445 stands for "Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck Off Bank 1." This generic emissions code means the secondary air injection (AIR) pump on bank 1 is not moving air when commanded to during cold-start operation. The secondary air system briefly pumps fresh air into the exhaust at startup to help burn off the rich cold-start mixture and reduce emissions, and the PCM detects no airflow or pump activity. It is primarily an emissions/inspection concern and rarely affects how the car drives, though it should be repaired to pass smog testing. On Lexus it is documented across 1 model: GX.
What are the most common causes of P2445?
The most common causes of P2445 are: Failed or seized secondary air injection pump, Moisture/corrosion seizing the pump (failed check valve), Faulty air pump relay or blown fuse, Damaged wiring or connector to the pump, Clogged or disconnected air hose, Stuck secondary air control/check valve, Faulty PCM driver circuit (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P2445 on a Lexus?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Lexus model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for P2445 on a different make?
View P2445 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.