Signs of a failing Exhaust Manifold
Tapping noise
If it seems like there are a million different weird noises your car can make it’s because there are. But the exhaust manifold noise is usually pretty unique. It sounds like a light tapping, or a clock ticking, and it will often go away once the car has warmed up, which your ears will greatly appreciate.
Exhaust smell
Hopefully this isn’t new information for you, but you’re supposed to smell the exhaust when you’re outside the car, not inside it. If it’s getting stinky in the cabin, you might have a very impolite exhaust manifold.
Check engine light
Like so many parts of your car, when the exhaust manifold fails, it can cause the check engine light to go on. You remember the last time you ignored the check engine light? You remember what happened? Yeah, thought so.