I bought my 96 Z in August and about every 3 months since then, my SES light comes on showing Code P412 and the #7 fuse under the hood is blown. I have a fuse kit, so it's not a big deal to replace the fuse, but this shouldn't be happening all the time.

It happened again over the weekend so I took it to a Tires Plus and they said that this is a common problem with Camaros and the solution is to replace the wire and fuse size and the air pump. They said it will cost $425.

There's a recall on those parts but my VIN doesn't fall in the range of cars that had the recall. I wonder if I can convince GM that it should.

Has anyone had this problem or attempted to install the repair kit without the help of a mechanic?

I don't have $425...

 

If you dont have to deal with emissions testing,I would remove the AIR pump.Get the PCM reprogrammed and you are set.Probably the pump is going out.

 

If you want to/have to keep the AIR pump, take it to your friendly dealer..... this is such a common problem that there is a recall on 95 and up AIR pumps.

 

I also have a '96 and my car was eligable for the recall. even got a letter in the mail. Take it to the dealer and tell them what's going on, they should replace the pump.

 

THIS is the lesser known air pump TSB 'wiring/fuse upgrade' that the mechanic was probably referring to:
http://web.archive.org/web/200111080.../63-65-02.html
Also there is 'air pump recall campaign #99083', which replaces the air pump only...
http://web.archive.org/web/200104181...egg/99083.html