I just returned from a trip to D.C. and while up there, I noticed a considerable increase in exhaust noise with cold starts due to the cold weather I suppose. Never had that before though. Now, when the car is cold, it makes a considerable amount of exhaust noise when cold at 2500 rpm in particular. After it warms up, everything seems back to normal. Should I worry?

 

Hit any large potholes or anything?

 

As a matter of fact, I heard a loud thump while on 95 but did not think much of it. Looked under the car and felt the exhaust pipes and all is solid,no loose anything that I can see.

 

Sounds like whatever hit the underside of the car may have damaged the exhaust system.

I dont think the warranty would cover it but your car insurance might if it turns out to be expensive.

 

Thanks! Going to have it checked out anyway...will keep ya posted!

 

Sounds like it could be a cracked cast iron exhaust manifold or downpipe, once it warms up the cracks close up and it's quiet again....

You probably should have this looked at, you don't want exhaust fumes getting into the car.

 

Earliest appointment is Feb. 14. Noticed today after I crawled under that there is moisture dropping out. Drips are coming from where the exhaust pipe leading from the center of the vehicle to the actual muffler is. Must be a small crack there.

 

Yep sounds like a crack or split some place.

 

if the manifold was cracked, depending whther the OP has an s or above, boost will sneak out and whistle like a banshee you'll know when it is cracked on a turbo vehicle. I know when i was on my stock exhaust(MCS) during cold starts it was natually raspier but then it would quiet down. Just lift it and inspect for leaks cuts or breaks in weld.

 

Friday the dreaded engine block light came on and that can be very good or very bad depending on the color, blinking of the light, etc. Limped to the dealership with a major loss of power and lots of rattles. No loaners available...boo hoo. They told me today they ordered a head gasket after I had told them I saw leakage on the engine up top and had tons of rattle. Hopefully they will find and fix the problem under warranty. Bad news, I need rear brakes at $500.00. Good news, 3 year warranty is still good. Bad news, front brakes need replacing in may! Warranty expires in may. I just may have to get the extended maintenance plan to offset some of the costs of this little toy! Was scheduled to go in Monday, but with the light issue, rattles and noises, and loss of power, decided to get a rental and put the beast in.

 

Buy aftermarket pads and do them yourself, not too difficult even for folks who dont know mechanics. i was able to teach my g/f and she couldnt comprehend how to use a ratchet lol

 

Got the blue meanie back and they replaced the timing chain, chain tensioner, guide rail, chain tensioner, bearing bolt, gasket ring, slide rail, sprocket, hex bolt, torx bolts, gasket, removed oil pan and metal parts from timing chain and replaced pan, new gasket ring and did my brakes on the rear. Thank God I am under warranty! Went forward with the extended service plan too because the front brakes will need replacing later in may after my 3 year warranty ends. Obviously the timing was waaaayy off and all that knocking sound I was hearing was the chain out of whack! Glad I took it in. Now she is running smooth as glass. Sure missed my car!

 

Congrats on getting your blue meanie back home and running properly again!
So, no exhaust leak then?

 

There sure was...it was coming from that messed up gasket on the engine!