Symptom Chart: Symptom Chart - Exhaust System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify the customer concern. 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 Oxidation Catalyst Converter (OC) Damaged DPF Loose or damaged sensors or sensor mountings Damaged tail pipe Clogged passages in tail pipe Broken or damaged exhaust hanger brackets Loose or damaged heat shields Modified or removed components

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.

Symptom Chart

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
Loss of power - vehicle performance complaint	Exhaust pipe pinched or crushed Damaged oxidation OC Full/loaded DPF Clogged catalyst or DPF Loose obstruction in exhaust Restricted exhaust (possible frozen condensate in selective catalyst reduction SCR)	INSPECT the exhaust system. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. If the concern is still present, REFER to the Engine Controls - Symptom Charts (Diesel) .
Loss of power - vehicle performance complaint	Restricted exhaust (possible frozen condensate in SCR)	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 - Symptom Charts (Diesel) .
Burning smell - usually occurs at idle, with possible traces of smoke	Foreign material caught in exhaust system Missing heat shields Fluid leak on exhaust Foreign materials or surrounding components contacting the exhaust system	INSPECT the exhaust system for foreign material or missing heat shields. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Odor - described as a sulfur or rotten egg smell	OC	At times, a slight sulfur smell is normal for the OC. The cause is the sulfur content in the diesel fuel being used. ADVISE the customer no repair is 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 - Symptom Charts (Diesel) .
Visible rust on surface of exhaust pipes	OC/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.