Symptom Chart - Exhaust System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Vehicle has low or no power - vehicle performance complaint (coupled with a check engine light on)	Exhaust pipe pinched or crushed Damaged catalytic converter Loose obstruction in exhaust	INSPECT the exhaust components for damage. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation. If the concern is still present, for diesel engine Go to Pinpoint Test A to test for restricted exhaust. For additional testing on diesel engine or for gas engines, REFER to the appropriate Engine Performance article for restricted exhaust.
	Restricted exhaust (possible frozen condensate)	PARK the vehicle inside to thaw. TEST vehicle for normal operation. If the concern is still present, for diesel engine Go to Pinpoint Test A to test for restricted exhaust. For additional testing on diesel engine or for gas engines, REFER to the appropriate Engine Performance article for restricted exhaust.
	Plugged catalytic converter	For diesel engine Go to Pinpoint Test A to test for restricted exhaust. For additional testing on diesel engine or for gas engines, REFER to the appropriate Engine Performance article for restricted exhaust.
Burning smell - usually occurs at idle with possible traces of smoke	Foreign material caught in exhaust system Missing heat shields Fluid leak on exhaust	INSPECT the exhaust system for foreign material. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
Odor - described as a sulfur or rotten egg smell	Catalytic converter	At times, a slight sulfur smell is normal for catalytic converters. The cause is the sulfur content in the gasoline being used. ADVISE customer, no repair required.
	Rich fuel conditions Misfire conditions Excessive sulfur content in fuel	REFER to the appropriate Engine Performance article.
Visible rust on surface of exhaust pipes	Exhaust system	Surface rust is a characteristic of materials used on exhaust systems. Exposure to heat or road salt may result in surface rust. INSPECT for perforations. If there are no perforations, condition is normal.