Symptom Chart(s)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Symptom Chart: Symptom Chart - Exhaust System
Diagnostics in this service information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. for information regarding Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
Verify the customer concern and then inspect the components of the exhaust system for obvious signs of damage or other mechanical concerns using the following chart.
Visual Inspection Chart - Mechanical
| Mechanical |
|---|
| Exhaust pipe pinched or crushed Damaged muffler Broken or damaged exhaust hanger brackets Damaged catalytic converter Cracked exhaust manifold Loose or damaged heat shields |
Verify the exhaust system is installed correctly, with clamps correctly located and tightened to specifications. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom. GO to Symptom Chart below or
Symptom Chart
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle has low or no power - vehicle performance complaint | Exhaust pipe pinched or crushed Damaged catalytic converter Loose obstruction in exhaust |
REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . |
| 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 ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . | |
| 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 ENGINE CONTROLS - POWERTRAIN DTC CHARTS & DESCRIPTIONS (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) . | |
| 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. |
Symptom Chart: Symptom Chart - NVH
Diagnostics in this service information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. for information regarding Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
NOTE:
Noise, Vibration, or Harshness (NVH) symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.
Symptom Chart
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Rattle, squeaks or buzz type noise - from the bottom of the vehicle | Loose or damaged heat shield | INSPECT the exhaust system for loose or missing heat shields or foreign material trapped between the heat shields and the exhaust system components. If any heat shields are loose, INSTALL worm gear clamp 7L5Z-5A231-AA and tighten to. If the heat shields are missing, INSTALL new heat shields or exhaust system components as necessary. If a rattle, noise or buzz condition persists, INSTALL a new heat shield or component as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Loose or damaged exhaust isolators | VERIFY the exhaust isolators are correctly installed. INSPECT the exhaust isolators for wear or damage. INSTALL new isolators as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Damaged exhaust isolator hanger bracket | INSPECT the exhaust system components for damage or broken hangers. INSTALL new components as necessary. CHECK for loose or damaged exhaust hanger brackets or fasteners. TIGHTEN the bolts to specification or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Loose or damaged catalytic converter or muffler | MOVE the exhaust system to simulate the bouncing action of the vehicle, checking for exhaust-to-body contact while moving the exhaust system. Using a rubber mallet, TAP on the exhaust components to duplicate the noise concern. Lightly TAP on the muffler, then the catalytic converter. DETERMINE if there are loose or broken baffles in the muffler or a loose or broken element in the catalytic converter. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Exhaust grounded to chassis | INSPECT for signs of exhaust components-to-body contact. If necessary, CARRY OUT the Exhaust System Alignment procedure. REFER to: Exhaust System Alignment . | |
| Drone or clunk type noise - from the bottom of the vehicle | Loose or damaged exhaust isolators | INSPECT the exhaust isolators for wear or damage. INSTALL new isolators as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Exhaust grounded to chassis | INSPECT for signs of exhaust components-to-body contact. If necessary, CARRY OUT the Exhaust System Alignment procedure. REFER to: Exhaust System Alignment . | |
| Whistles, boom, hum or ticking type noise - noise tends to change as the engine warms. The noises are often accompanied by exhaust fumes | Exhaust system leak | INSPECT the entire exhaust system for leaks. CHECK for punctures, loose or damaged clamps/fasteners, gaskets, sensors or broken welds. EXAMINE the chassis for grayish-white or black exhaust soot, which indicates exhaust leakage at that point. To magnify a small leak, have an assistant hold a shop towel over the tail pipe outlet while listening for a leak. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Catalytic converter | MOVE the exhaust system to simulate the bouncing action of the vehicle, checking for exhaust-to-body contact while moving the exhaust system. Using a rubber mallet, TAP on the exhaust components to duplicate the noise concern. Lightly TAP on the muffler and the catalytic converter. DETERMINE if there are loose or broken baffles in the muffler, or a loose or broken element in the catalytic converter. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Exhaust muffler/resonator drain hole enlarged due to corrosion | CONFIRM the drain holes are the noise source. INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Hissing or rushing noise - high frequency sound. Vehicle performance is unaffected | Exhaust system. Exhaust flow through pipes | CHECK the exhaust system for leaks. Using a rubber mallet, TAP on the exhaust components to duplicate the noise concern. Lightly TAP on the muffler and the catalytic converter. Determine if there are loose or broken baffles in the muffler, or a loose or broken element in the catalytic converter. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Pinging noise - occurs when exhaust system is hot, engine turned off | Catalytic converter/exhaust system | Cool down pinging is a result of the exhaust system expanding and contracting during heating and cooling. This is a normal condition. |
| Vibration - occurs at idle and at low speeds. Also accompanied by a clunk or buzz type noise | Loose or damaged exhaust isolator | INSPECT the exhaust isolators for wear or damage. INSTALL new isolators as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Loose or damaged exhaust isolator hanger brackets | INSPECT the exhaust isolator hanger brackets for wear or damage. INSTALL or REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Exhaust system grounded to chassis | CARRY OUT the Exhaust System Alignment procedure. REFER to: Exhaust System Alignment . | |
| Engine drumming noise - normally accompanied by vibration | Damaged or misaligned exhaust system | INSPECT the exhaust system for loose or damaged fasteners or isolators. CARRY OUT the Exhaust System Alignment procedure. REFER to: Exhaust System Alignment . |
| Sputter type noise - noise worse when cold, lessens or disappears when the vehicle is at operating temperature | Damaged or worn exhaust system | INSPECT the exhaust system for leaks or damage. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Thumping noise - from the bottom of the vehicle, worse during acceleration | Misaligned exhaust system | CHECK the exhaust system to chassis clearance. CHECK the exhaust system isolators for damage. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine vibration - is felt with increases and decreases in engine rpm | Strain on exhaust system isolators | CARRY OUT the Exhaust System Alignment procedure. REFER to: Exhaust System Alignment . REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Drumming noise - occurs inside the vehicle during idle or high idle, hot or cold. Very low-frequency drumming is very rpm dependent | Exhaust system vibration excites the body resonances inducing interior noise | GO to Pinpoint Test A |