Symptom Chart - Exhaust System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

EXHAUST SYSTEM SYMPTOM CHART

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	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, REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) for restricted exhaust.
Vehicle has low or no power - vehicle performance complaint	Restricted exhaust (possible frozen condensate in muffler)	CHECK drain holes for foreign material. PARK the vehicle inside to thaw. TEST vehicle for normal operation. If concern is still present, REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .
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 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	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.
Odor - described as a sulfur or rotten egg smell	Rich fuel conditions Misfire conditions Excessive sulfur content in fuel	REFER to the ENGINE CONTROLS - INTRODUCTION (EXCEPT DIESEL & HYBRID) (SECTION 0) .
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, condition is normal.