Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine containing cylinder #1. The secondary air injection system pumps air into the exhaust manifold during engine startup to help the catalytic converter reach operating temperature more quickly, reducing emissions. P1416 suggests a fault within this system on that bank of the engine; the exact cause could be several things including:
* Faulty Air Injection Pump: The pump itself may be failing to operate properly.
* Malfunctioning AIR Injection Solenoid Valve: This valve controls the flow of air from the pump.
* Blocked or Leaking Air Lines: Hoses or pipes within the system could be clogged or damaged, preventing proper air flow.
* Faulty AIR System Relay: The relay that switches power to the system might be malfunctioning.
* Vacuum Leaks: A leak in the vacuum system controlling the AIR system can prevent proper operation.
* Problems with the Catalytic Converter itself: While less likely to be the primary cause of this code, a severely clogged cat can indirectly trigger the code.
To diagnose the problem, you'll need to:
1. Consult a repair manual specific to your 1999 Chevrolet Suburban: This will provide diagrams of the secondary air injection system and detailed troubleshooting steps.
2. Visually inspect the AIR pump, hoses, and solenoid valve: Check for any obvious damage, leaks, or loose connections.
3. Use a multimeter to test the components: This will help determine if the pump, solenoid, and relay are working correctly.
4. Check for vacuum leaks: Inspect vacuum lines for cracks or disconnections.
5. Consider professional diagnostics: If you're not comfortable performing these tests, it's best to take your Suburban to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Simply clearing the code won't fix the underlying problem; the actual malfunction needs to be addressed.