What does code P1436 mean?

P1436 · VolkswagenSecondary Air Injection Pump Relay Circuit Electrical Malfunction

P1436 on Volkswagen vehicles indicates that the engine control module has detected an electrical fault in the secondary air injection pump relay circuit, which prevents the pump from running during cold starts. The computer monitors the relay control circuit for expected voltage changes and flags this code when the circuit remains open, shorted, or draws abnormal current.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeVolkswagen specific

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Guidance is general and written for Volkswagen vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.