Exhaust System Inspection: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda B2300 and 2001 Mazda B2300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify the customer concern by running the engine at 2,000 RPM or by road testing the vehicle.
Visually inspect the components of the exhaust system and the related controls that may affect exhaust gas quality or cause a backfire or a loss of power.
Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage. Refer to the following chart:

Fig 1: Visual Inspection Of Mechanical & Electrical Damage
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the wiring, connectors and other components for obvious concerns due to looseness, corrosion, or other damage. This must be done while the engine is fully warmed so as to activate the system controls.
Check the vacuum lines and connections for looseness, pinching, leakage, splitting, blockage or other damage that may cause malfunction.
If a vacuum line or orifice (restrictor) blockage is suspected as the obvious cause of a concern, correct the cause before proceeding to the next step.
If the concern is not visually evident, determine the symptom and see EXHAUST SYSTEM SYMPTOM .