Will an Exhaust Leak Throw a Fault Code? (Explained)
Updated: Jan 9
An exhaust leak is a common problem that can occur in vehicles. An exhaust leak can affect the performance of your vehicle and may cause problems with the engine, such as reduced power and fuel efficiency.
One question that often arises is will an exhaust leak throw a fault code or trigger a check engine light. In this article, we will explore this question and see whether a leaking exhaust system could trigger a fault code.
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Will an Exhaust Leak Throw a Fault Code?
Yes, an exhaust leak can throw a fault code, depending on the location and severity of the leak. If the exhaust leak is large enough, it can affect the engine's air/fuel ratio, causing the engine to run lean (too much air and not enough fuel) or rich (too much fuel and not enough air).
This can trigger a fault code, as the engine's computer will detect that the air/fuel ratio is not within the normal range.
In addition to affecting the air/fuel ratio, an exhaust leak can also cause the engine to run poorly, leading to a loss of power and potentially triggering a fault code. However, it's worth noting that an exhaust leak alone may not be enough to throw an engine code.
Other factors, such as the condition of the spark plugs and ignition system, can also contribute to engine performance is