strange noise...
 

Ive had a CEL for a little while, and I assumed it was more of the same stuff I have been dealing with all summer, I made an appointment with the dealer for tomorrow. Just a few minutes ago I noticed a pretty loud rattling coming from the exhaust at idle. Any ideas? And is this likely related to the CEL?

RE: strange noise...
 

depends on what the error code is...exhaust noises (especially rattles) are usually attributed to a bad cat

RE: strange noise...
 

So does that mean I should do my exhaust upgrade sooner than I planned?

RE: strange noise...
 

well you're gonna need to keep the cat even if you upgrade, unless you do a full system. most people just do cat-backs.

RE: strange noise...
 

I dont really understand any of this stuff to begin with. A little crash course maybe?

RE: strange noise...
 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question66.htm that will explain the cat.

now for the full exhaust. A full exhaust usualy includes the cat/cats already in the kit.
a cat back exhaust system is a kit that starts from the stock cat and replaces everything behind it.

RE: strange noise...
 

So how much is that gonna run me to fix? And what is the best way to go about it?

RE: strange noise...
 

Check your metal sleeves (clamps). It's what's been a problem Sunset Audi hasn't taken care of the 8 times I've taken it in. They won't cover it because they think my rattling is a "Natural Characteristic." Good luck w/ whatever it is and gettin' the aftermarket exhaust...