Skoda Octavia Exhaust Flap Issue

My 2004 Skoda Octavia with a gasoline engine is throwing a fit. Error memory's screaming about the exhaust flaps. Sounds like a tractor on cold starts and exhaust noise is generally louder than it should be. I'm betting on defective exhaust valves but wanted to check if anyone had similar experience. I've visually inspected the exhaust components for any obvious exhaust blockage, but nothing jumps out. Anyone wrestled with this demon before?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like the exhaust flap issue I had. Does the noise go away after a few minutes? Have you checked the flap actuator?

Yeah, noise fades when it warms up. Where exactly is this flap actuator located? And how easy is it to check?

It's near the back box. Bit fiddly to get to. Honestly, just get it on a ramp. If the noise goes away when warm then the flap's probably stuck. Likely the actuator, like you suspected. I just took mine to a workshop. Easier than messing about under the car.

Cheers for the heads-up! Took it to the shop, you were spot on. Flap actuator was toast. 190€ later and it's purring like a kitten again. No more embarrassing tractor sounds on startup!

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