Symptom Chart - Exhaust System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Sable, 2009 Ford Taurus X, and 2009 Ford Taurus. 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	Exhaust pipe pinched or crushed Damaged catalytic converter Loose obstruction in exhaust	REFER to the Introduction - Gasoline Engines article.
	Restricted exhaust (possible frozen condensate in muffler)	CHECK drain holes for foreign material. PARK the vehicle inside to thaw. TEST the vehicle for normal operation. If the concern is still present, REFER to the Introduction - Gasoline Engines article.
Burning smell - usually occurs at idle, with possible traces of smoke	Foreign material caught in exhaust system Missing heat shields	INSPECT the exhaust system for foreign material or missing heat shields. 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 Excessive sulfur content in fuel	At times, a slight sulfur smell is normal for catalytic converters. The cause is the sulfur content in the gasoline being used. ADVISE the customer no repair is required.
	Rich fuel conditions Misfire conditions	REFER to the Introduction - Gasoline Engines article.
Visible rust on surface of exhaust pipes	Catalytic converter/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, the condition is normal.