GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Restricted Exhaust System

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

is the exhaust system restricted?

-

Go to Step 2

System OK

2

Are the exhaust tubes dented or kinked?

-

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 3

3

Are there restrictions within the muffler?

-

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Is there an obstruction at the tailpipe?

-

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

Is the catalytic converter restricted?

-

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 1

6

Repair or replace the affected exhaust pipe sections.

Is the repair complete?

-

System OK

Go to Step 3

7

  1. Remove and inspect the muffler.
  2. Remove any visible restrictions.
  3. If no restrictions are visible, replace the muffler.

Is the repair complete?

-

System OK

Go to Step 4

8

  1. Remove and inspect the muffler.
  2. Remove any visible restrictions in the tailpipe.
  3. If no restrictions are visible, replace the tailpipe.

Is the repair complete?

-

System OK

Go to Step 5

9

Replace the catalytic converter.

Is the restriction in the exhaust system eliminated?

-

System OK

Go to Step 10

10

Symptoms may not be caused by restrictions in the exhaust system.

Does the engine still exhibit symptoms that indicate exhaust system restriction?

-

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Refer to Engine Controls for diagnosis and repair procedures.

Is the diagnosis and repair complete?

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System OK

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