Failing Exhaust Flap Causes Loud Virtus Startup Noise

Had the exact same issue on my 2016 Vento. The exhaust noise was unmistakable, particularly during cold starts. The exhaust system started making these aggressive sounds that definitely were not normal. After some research and with my basic car maintenance experience, I suspected the exhaust flaps were the culprit. Took it to my workshop where they confirmed the exhaust flap actuator had failed, causing the valve to stay permanently open. This explained the excessive exhaust noise and cold start symptoms. The repair involved replacing the faulty exhaust flap actuator and recalibrating the exhaust system. Total cost was 190€ and the work took about 2 hours. Since the fix, the exhaust noise returned to normal levels and cold starts are smooth again. To better help with your specific case, could you share: Current mileage on your Virtus? Any modifications to the exhaust components? When did you first notice the exhaust noise? Any other symptoms besides the noise and cold start issues? Which error codes exactly showed up? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if there might be other exhaust system problems at play.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Virtus just had its 90000km service last month, currently at 91426km. The exhaust noise started about 2 weeks ago. The scan showed error code P2432 which points to the secondary air injection system. All exhaust components are stock, no modifications. Will have it checked at the workshop next week. Based on your repair cost reference, seems like a reasonable fix if it turns out to be just the flap actuator. Engine performance otherwise seems normal, just concerned about that persistent noise during cold starts.

Good to hear back about your Virtus. The P2432 code with the cold start noise strongly aligns with what I experienced. In my case, the faulty exhaust flap actuator was actually causing the secondary air injection system error code, they are interconnected in controlling exhaust flow and emissions. Since your mileage is similar to when my issue occurred (I was around 89000km), and you are seeing identical symptoms, I am quite confident you are dealing with the same exhaust flap problem. The exhaust noise during cold starts happens because the flap stays in one position, preventing proper exhaust flow regulation. When my workshop did the repair, they also checked the entire exhaust system to ensure no other components were affected. The flap motor replacement resolved both the noise and the error code. Worth mentioning that delaying the repair could potentially stress other exhaust components. Make sure the workshop performs a complete diagnostics check. In rare cases, the wiring to the exhaust flap actuator can also be damaged, which would need separate attention. After my repair, they did a test drive to confirm proper exhaust flap operation through all driving modes.

Thanks for that detailed response. Your repair experience matches my symptoms exactly, especially the part about the exhaust flap actuator causing the secondary air injection code. Really helpful to know your mileage was similar when this happened. Will definitely have the workshop do a thorough check of the exhaust system and wiring when I bring it in next week. Knowing the flap actuator replacement fixed both your noise issues and error codes gives me confidence about the repair path. The 190€ cost seems fair for the work involved. Just hoping my cold start noise issue is the same straightforward exhaust flap repair you had. Would rather fix it now than risk damaging other exhaust components by waiting. Will update once the workshop diagnoses and repairs it.