Help Me Quick

P1414 Secondary Air Injuction System Monitor Circuit High.

Description: The secondary air injunction system monitor circuit is high, indicating the electrical air pump is on although the electrical air pump was commanded off by the PCM. Could be damaged air pump or relay.
 
Ive had this same problem since Dec. of 03. Check engine light is on all the time but the car runs just like it did before. Anything I (we) can do to fix it without getting a new air pump

By the way, what is the air pump good for? What does it do?
 
I'm PRETTY sure that air injection is for the sole purpose of reducing emisisons. I think There is a valve that releases fresh air into your headers/collection pipe (somewhere around there) that helps complete the combustion process more efficiently and burn off excess fuel/vapor from the cylinders. If I am wrong, someone please clarify but I think thats what that do-hicky does. Just don't get an emissions test in the mean time :D