1998 Boxster Secondary Air Pump

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

We've tried to have a constructive discussion about the SAI before but some 'green' views were expressed objecting to removing the SAI system.That was a thread killer.
In Europe they do not use SAI - not just Porsche but Jaguar and BMW also. And they are just as Green & polluted as we are. So there is at least some doubt about the efficacy and value of SAI.
Boxster owners in similar SAI threads mention the high costs of chasing down these SAI component failures.The diagnostic,labor and parts often rise to well over $1000, sometimes in multiple installments as initial repairs prove unsuccesful . That is a pity because other OEM SAI systems are simple,inexpensive and reliable(like the AC Delco system on my old Jag XJR).
This high cost repair is going to be a bigger issue for us as the cars age and simultaneously decline in value. So we really need a cost effective solution for those of us who run theses cars on a tight budget.
DME upgrade/flash for SAI delete -NO codes no more! - Rennlist Discussion Forums

Agreed, however, whatever the solution is it would have to pass the visual part of the inspection in California. My last smog test had to be done at a STAR station because the CMVD determined my Boxster "may be a gross polluter due to its age." STAR stations, as you know, must perform a visual inspection of the motor.

[Xpit77]

I had the same codes on my 99. My tech did a smoke test and determined it was the valve. Replaced it and codes are gone.This is not a quick backyard fix.There are shortcuts but we went by way of the book. Removed fuel rails and other bits.Here in Ontario we cant mess with emissions unless the vehicle is pre 88.

[Gelbster]

Just to be clear,
if the SAI is disabled or deleted with the ROW reflash,the car will run no differently than when the SAI was functional.
If you are concerned about a Smog-visual -leave it in place but plug the broken parts.
I don't like this proposal but spending well over $1000 on an older,lower value Boxster is just not an option for some of us.Particularly when the 'repair' changes nothing except the CEL. If there were some alternative that upgraded the fragile parts ,that would help ?

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

Just to be clear,
if the SAI is disabled or deleted with the ROW reflash,the car will run no differently than when the SAI was functional.
If you are concerned about a Smog-visual -leave it in place but plug the broken parts.
I don't like this proposal but spending well over $1000 on an older,lower value Boxster is just not an option for some of us.Particularly when the 'repair' changes nothing except the CEL. If there were some alternative that upgraded the fragile parts ,that would help ?

True but you will need to take the car in soon after the codes are erased as the ECM will go through the number of cycles it takes to test the components and the code will reappear.
Why would you need to plug the broken parts? The switches, or switch, should look the same as they burn out internally.

[Gelbster]

I think you missed this in post 12?
"with the ROW reflash,"
The whole point of SAI disable/delete is to have no SAI codes- ever again. Without the reflash SAi disable/delete is nonsense.

[thom4782]

If you do decide the problem is the secondary air pump, consider replacing it with a pump from a salvage yard. I did several years ago and paid something like $150 for the used part. It's worked like a champ ever since.

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

I think you missed this in post 12?
"with the ROW reflash,"
The whole point of SAI disable/delete is to have no SAI codes- ever again. Without the reflash SAi disable/delete is nonsense.

I probably did because I only read to the part where the discussion deteriorated into a pissing contest about whether or not it was legal, at that point I read no further.

[Jinx]

Our solution was to check the vac lines.
Vac lines were off also replaced the
Pump relay as it was a inexpensive part.
And it is on the bulkhead of the rear trunk.