Traverse exhaust leak symptoms

Dude, that sounds like a pain! If the exhaust temp sensor is throwing codes, a leak is super likely. Is the engine running rough at all? Any weird smells coming from under the car? Check the exhaust pipes and connections for any obvious cracks or rust holes before dropping serious cash at the shop. Seriously, exhaust leaks can cause all sorts of weirdness with the engine management system.

Yeah, it's idling a bit rough sometimes, and I thought I caught a whiff of something funky the other day. I'll crawl under there and check for obvious damage. But if the sensor itself is faulty, would a leak still cause those symptoms, or am I chasing two problems at once?

Totally get your concern! Even if the sensor is fine, a leak will cause wacky temperature fluctuations, and THAT will make the ECU freak out and adjust fuel trims, throttle, all sorts of stuff. Think of it like the ECU getting false info. Fix the leak first; there's a solid chance the sensor reading will go back to normal once the exhaust system is sealed up tight. If it still acts up after that, THEN you can worry about a new sensor. Either way, best get it checked out at a workshop ASAP.

Thanks, man! I appreciate the input. Turns out it WAS a leak in the exhaust manifold gasket. Got it fixed at the shop for 265€, and the car runs like a champ again. No more check engine light or rough idling. You were spot-on!