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Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement Cost

Estimates last updated September 3, 2026

1996 Mercedes-Benz SL320 Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement Cost

The average cost for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL320 Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement is between $166 and $211.

Labor costs are estimated between $98 and $143 while parts are typically priced around $68.
This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

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Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement

What is an air pump check valve?

The air pump check valve is a one way valve that allows air from the air pump to enter the exhaust system. More importantly, it prevents hot exhaust gases from entering the Secondary Air Injection System.

Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement

How does the air pump check valve work?

The check valve can be vacuum operated or strictly mechanical in nature. A mechanical valve will simply let pressurized airflow in only one direction. A vacuum operated check valve will use a controlled vacuum source to open and close the valve at the appropriate time.

When the air pump check valve is malfunctioning, the vehicle may perform normally, but may fail an emissions inspection and get poor gas mileage. The Check Engine Light may illuminate with a code set for the secondary air injection system.

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Mercedes-Benz Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement is between $166 and $211 but can vary from car to car.

Mercedes-Benz SL320 Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement Cost by Year

The average cost for a Mercedes-Benz SL320 Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement is between $166 and $211 but can vary from car to car.

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320

$166-$211

1996 Mercedes-Benz SL320

$166-$211

1995 Mercedes-Benz SL320

$163-$208

1994 Mercedes-Benz SL320

$163-$208

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Air Injection System Check Valve Replacement

Jump to:Commonly associated repairs Related OBD codes Cost estimates by vehicle Cost estimates by year

What is an air pump check valve?

How does the air pump check valve work?

What are the symptoms related to a bad air pump check valve?

Can I drive with an air pump check valve problem?

A vehicle should not be driven if the check valve is allowing hot exhaust gasses into the rubber hoses of the Secondary Air Injection system as this could result in damage to the hoses and other components. If the valve is simply restricted and not allowing flow in either direction, it should be OK to temporarily drive the vehicle. Get this fixed by a RepairPal Certified Shop

How often do air pump check valves need to be replaced?

Whether or not a Secondary Air System Check Valve(s) will fail can vary greatly for different makes and models. Geographic locations where road salt is used may see more failures because rust can greatly shorten the life the check valve(s).

How are air pump check valve issues diagnosed?

Most commonly an illuminated check engine light would lead to retrieval of a fault code indicating a problem with a Secondary Air System check valve. A suspect valve would then be tested for proper operation, unrestricted flow in one direction and no flow in the other. Heat damaged Secondary Air Injection hoses and/or components would also lead to inspection of the check valve(s) for proper operation.

An air injection system trouble code isn't always triggered by a defective air pump check valve. It can also be triggered by a restricted passage or air pipe, a defective air pump, an air pump relay failure, or a wiring problem.

How is an air pump check valve replaced?

A Secondary Air System Check Valve will either screw directly onto a pipe connected to the exhaust system or bolt onto a metal flange that is part of the exhaust system. On some models, various components my need to be removed to gain access to the valve. A bit of penetrating oil on the mounting threads or bolts can greatly aid in removal of the old valve.

When replacing the air pump check valve, be sure to perform a thorough inspection of the air injection components and passages. Always use factory parts and check for any needed software updates for the power train control module (PCM).