P1440 On Honda and Acura hybrids, motor power inverter module output circuit malfunction; on Toyota, secondary air injection control valve circuit, bank 1

MPI module output circuit malfunction (Honda); secondary air control valve circuit (Toyota)

P1440 in short

On Honda and Acura hybrids, P1440 means a fault in the motor power inverter output circuit. Honda bulletins list it among codes from a defective inverter solder joint on the 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid and 2013 ILX Hybrid. Get it checked soon; stop if power drops. On Toyota 4.7 L engines it is a secondary air valve circuit code.

The motor power inverter converts the hybrid battery voltage so the electric motor can assist the engine and recharge the battery. P1440 is stored when the hybrid computer sees a fault in the inverter output circuit.

Honda bulletin A20-030 says a defective solder joint can make the inverter fail over time and set P1440 together with P1437, P15A5, P0A78 and other codes. Honda extended inverter coverage to 15 years from the original date; Acura bulletin B20-021 carries the same list for the 2013 ILX Hybrid.

Toyota uses the same number for something else: its bulletin T-SB-0230-12 lists P1440 as a bank 1 secondary air injection control valve circuit code on 4.7 L engines. Check which maker you are dealing with before reading any further.

Pick your make

P1440 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Defective solder joint in the motor power inverter (Honda and Acura hybrids)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda bulletin A20-030 and Acura B20-021 name this defect as the source of P1440 on the covered models, and two Acura ILX owners describe the IMA light, jerking and reduced power.
    What would change this
    Rises if P1437, P15A5 or P0A78 are stored with it on a 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid or 2013 ILX Hybrid. Falls on a model outside the bulletin.
    How to test the hybrid drive motor

  2. Secondary air control valve circuit fault (Toyota 4.7 L)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Toyota bulletin T-SB-0230-12 lists the code with other secondary air codes caused by debris from the air pump.
    What would change this
    Rises if P1442, P1445 or a loud air pump hum are also present. Falls on any non-Toyota vehicle.
    How to test the secondary air pump

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and write down the dashboard messages. Do not open or unplug anything in the hybrid system.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfP1440 is stored on a 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid or 2013 ILX Hybrid

      It meansHonda's inverter coverage may apply.

      Go to step 2

    • IfIt is stored on a Honda or Acura hybrid outside those models

      It meansThe maker's diagnosis decides.

      Go to step 3

    • IfIt is stored on a Toyota 4.7 L truck or SUV with other secondary air codes

      It meansSee the secondary air system test with a Toyota technician.

      Go to step 3

  2. Give the VIN to a Honda or Acura dealer and ask whether the inverter extended warranty applies.

    Low riskTool: VIN lookup at a dealer

  3. Have a dealer or hybrid-trained technician run the diagnostics from the maker's service information.

    Best left to a shopTool: factory scan tool and high-voltage safety equipment

    Warning:High voltage: on a Honda or Acura hybrid the battery pack, inverter, motors and orange cables carry hundreds of volts that can kill. Do not unplug, probe or touch them. On a Toyota the secondary air pump can start by itself and the exhaust is hot.

Symptoms

  • IMA, check engine and brake lights on together
  • Jerk while braking, with less power and no battery charge or use shown Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Pull-over warning with reduced power and acceleration Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Motor power inverter (Honda, Acura hybrids):High-voltage part. Honda extended coverage to 15 years from the original date for listed VINs; check before paying. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 2012–2015 · Civic

    Supported by vehicle data

    Civic Hybrid: Honda bulletin A20-030 lists P1440 among codes from the defective inverter solder joint.

  • A20-030Status unverified

    Motor power inverter warranty extension (Civic Hybrid)

    2012–2015civic · issued · NHTSA 10184658

    Defective inverter solder joint can set P1440, P1437, P15A5, P0A78, P0AE1 and other codes; coverage extended to 15 years from the original date.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Acura

  • 2013 · ILX

    Supported by vehicle data

    ILX Hybrid: bulletin B20-021 carries the same list; owners report a jerk while braking, IMA light, reduced power and a pull-over warning.

  • B20-021Status unverified

    Motor power inverter warranty extension (ILX Hybrid)

    2013ilx · issued · NHTSA 10184664

    Same as A20-030 for the 2013 ILX Hybrid.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Toyota

  • T-SB-0230-12 RevStatus unverified

    Secondary air injection codes on 4.7 L engines

    2005–20094runner, land-cruiser, sequoia, tundra · 2UZ-FE · NHTSA 10132097

    Debris passing through the air injection pump can contaminate the system and set secondary air codes including P1440 and P1443; the bulletin gives a repair procedure.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P1437On Honda hybrids, a short circuit in the motor power inverter module

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Honda bulletin A20-030 lists P1437 with P1440 among the codes from the same inverter solder joint fault.

  • P0A78The inverter that powers hybrid drive motor A is not performing as expected

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Honda bulletin A20-030 lists P0A78 with P1440 among the inverter fault codes.

  • P0AE1A fault in the hybrid battery precharge contactor circuit; Honda lists it as a bypass contactor fault

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Honda bulletin A20-030 lists P0AE1 with P1440 among the inverter fault codes.

  • P1442On Toyota, secondary air injection switching valve No. 2 stuck closed (bank 1)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    On Toyota 4.7 L engines the same bulletin lists P1442 with P1440 as secondary air codes.

All Hybrid and electric drive codes

P1440 questions

What does P1440 mean on a Honda or Acura hybrid?

Honda lists it as a motor power inverter module output circuit malfunction, among codes from a defective inverter solder joint on the 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid and 2013 ILX Hybrid.

Does P1440 mean the same thing on a Toyota?

No. On Toyota 4.7 L engines it is a secondary air injection control valve circuit code for bank 1.

Sources and review

  1. Honda bulletin A20-030: motor power inverter warranty extension, Civic Hybrid — American Honda Motor Co. via NHTSA ,
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11485532 (2013 Acura ILX, P1440) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11534323 (2013 Acura ILX) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  4. Acura bulletin B20-021: motor power inverter warranty extension, ILX Hybrid — American Honda Motor Co. via NHTSA ,
  5. Toyota bulletin T-SB-0230-12 (Rev): secondary air injection codes on 2UZ-FE 4.7 L engines — Toyota Motor Sales via NHTSA
  6. P1440 manufacturer-specific definitions — TroubleCodes.net
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.