GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Exhaust Leakage - Not OBD II Excessive Noise

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Inspect the system for improperly installed or misaligned components.

Are there improperly installed or misaligned components?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Align the components and tighten the connections to specifications.

Is there exhaust leakage or excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Inspect for loose connections at the exhaust manifold and at the catalytic converter.

Are there loose connections at the exhaust manifold and/or the catalytic converter?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Tighten all of the fasteners to specifications.

Is there exhaust leakage or excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 5

System OK

5

Inspect the exhaust manifold.

Is the exhaust manifold cracked or broken?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the exhaust manifold.

Is there exhaust leakage or excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

Inspect for leakage at the crossover pipe connections.

Is there leakage at the crossover pipe connections?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Tighten the nuts and bolts to specifications.

Is there exhaust leakage or excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

Inspect for damage or worn seals.

Are the seals damaged or worn?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the seals.

Is there exhaust leakage or excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Inspect the extension pipe.

Is the extension pipe burned or rusted?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the extension pipe. (Also replace the muffler if it was not previously serviced.)

Is there exhaust leakage or excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 13

System OK

13

Inspect the muffler.

Is the muffler burned or rusted?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

Replace the muffler/tailpipe.

Is there exhaust leakage or excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15

Inspect for leakage at the exhaust component joints or couplings.

Is there leakage at the joints or couplings?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

Tighten the clamps to specifications or, if the clamps are damaged, replace them.

Is there exhaust leakage or excessive noise?

--

--

System OK